The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority (NDA), Dr. Emmanuel Abeere-Inga, has underscored the urgent need for a more effective and locally driven coordination framework to accelerate sustainable development in Northern Ghana.

During a courtesy call on the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, in Bolgatanga, Dr. Abeere-Inga lamented that excessive bureaucratic control by ministries and agencies in Accra continues to impede the implementation of critical development projects in the northern part of the country.

“Northern Ghana is often seen as a magnet for development investments and donor funds, yet we see little change on the ground,” he said.

“The sad reality is that much of the funding meant for the north is hijacked in Accra, leaving behind token interventions that do not address core needs.”

He revealed that the NDA has begun consultations with technocrats and stakeholders across the five northern regions to develop a unified and inclusive development strategy.

This approach, he noted, aims to ensure that local actors are empowered and resources are deployed more transparently and effectively.

Highlighting past challenges, Dr. Abeere-Inga cited the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project, which was to be funded with a $60 million World Bank loan and a $50 million grant from the U.S. government.

According to him, the project failed to benefit Northern Ghana as intended because decision-making and fund disbursement were tightly controlled in Accra.

“In the end, the U.S. government withdrew its $50 million grant because the funds were not used as agreed,” he stated.

He assured that under his leadership, the NDA would push for future government and donor resources to be managed directly by northern-based institutions to ensure accountability and impact.

Dr. Abeere-Inga also used the visit to congratulate Mr. Atanga on his recent appointment and to foster stronger collaboration between the NDA and the regional administration.

In his response, Minister Atanga acknowledged the past operational challenges faced by the Authority, which he said had affected its credibility.

However, he expressed optimism in the current leadership and its renewed vision.

“The NDA needs to rebuild public trust, and I believe your approach has the potential to do just that,” the Minister said.

He further encouraged the NDA to engage with the Northern Caucus in Parliament to build consensus and secure national backing for the proposed coordination framework.

“We must change the narrative about Northern Ghana,” he added.

“This could be the beginning of a real transformation.”