Activista Ghana, a civil Society youth-based movement in the Upper East Region has criticised the government and members of parliament in the region for under development and high unemployment rate resulting in low income of residents.

The youth group is therefore calling for immediate high development pace in all sectors of the local economy, especially roads, hospital and job creation to avoid high increase of social vices among the youth.

Activista Ghana is a movement of young people between the ages of 16 and 35, affiliated to ActionAid Ghana. The movement was established in 2017 as part of a global network of young people who seek to lead the charge in advocacy, civic activities, and education to shape the development of their communities.

The group in a press conference as part of occasion to commemorate 2026 international youth day, reminded government about the need for the region to get its share of the national cake. They said the Upper East Region has been faithful to the ruling party and deserves better development.

"We have not gathered only to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day, but also to discuss the development of the Upper East Region and our collective future", Nicholas Azebire said. "The youth of the Upper East Region are concerned about the snail-paced development of the region, with many of the challenges remaining topical issues for several decades", he added.

According to the Upper East Regional Coordinator of Activista Ghana, Nicholas Azebire, as young people, they have observed that, the poor road network in the region tells a depressing story, with communities being cut off or having to deal with poor road connectivity.

In Addition, all the fifteen municipalities and districts have no tarred road linking the communities.

"Apart from the major trunk roads, such as the Bolga-Bawku Road, which connects nearly six districts, and the Bolga-Tamale-Paga trunk roads, many of the 15 municipalities and districts cannot boast of properly tarred roads".

The much-talked-about Bolga-Bawku Road was another key issue the youth complained of and called for immediate construction of the road.

According to Activista Ghana, young people are also concerned about the delay in commencing work on the Upper East Regional Airport, lack of standard stadium in the Upper East Region, and hospital for Bolgatanga Municipality, and stalled Agenda 111 project.

"We hope that the government will prioritise these projects to enhance healthcare delivery in the region".

"Many of us, the youth, are struggling to secure decent jobs, and that is why we are here today to remind the government that priority should be given to the tomato and meat factories to create a chain of opportunities for the region’s youth".

The youth have therefore reminded the government that the current administration has enjoyed overwhelming support from the youth of the Upper East Region. And it is their hope that this support will translate into meaningful development for the region and its people.

Source: 3news