The founder of the diaspora-based development association Alagumgube and a native of the Upper East Region, Gabriel Agambila has presented a comprehensive development agenda for the region during a high-level meeting at the Jubilee House on Tuesday.
The engagement, held with Chief of Staff Julius Debrah and former Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, centered on urgent infrastructure, sports, cultural, and governance priorities.
A key appeal from Mr. Agambila was the inclusion of the Upper East Region in the government’s plan to build three new modern stadiums.
He highlighted the region’s acute lack of a standard sports facility with tartan tracks, which he stated has persistently stifled athletic talent and youth sports development.
“The Upper East Region has never had a sporting stadium with tartan tracks to encourage and nurture athletic talent. This is long overdue,” Agambila emphasized.
On aviation, while acknowledging the Bolgatanga Airport project’s inclusion in the national budget, Agambila called for accelerated progress through private sector investment.
He revealed that Alagumgube has already initiated groundwork by clearing the project site, negotiating for additional land, and funding the cadastral planning.
“We are appealing for investors to support the process so the project can be completed within the shortest possible time,” he stated.
The discussions also addressed cultural preservation, with Agambila urging the swift implementation of the Grune language curriculum, approved three years ago but yet to be rolled out. He stressed the delay undermines linguistic heritage.
Furthermore, Agambila pressed for a resolution to the Bolgatanga chieftaincy dispute, noting that the absence of a substantive chief continues to impede development and unity in the traditional area.
In response, the Chief of Staff and Elvis Afriyie Ankrah commended Alagumgube for its sustained advocacy and tangible contributions to the region, notably its role in securing a Passport Office for the Upper East. They expressed a desire to see similar proactive citizen groups in every region.
Agambila concluded by thanking all stakeholders who supported the airport land clearance and the establishment of the Passport Office, citing their efforts as a testament to collective commitment to the region’s progress.
