President John Dramani Mahama has activated the GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund, with a five-member committee now tasked with overseeing investment in infrastructure and other development priorities across Bawku and surrounding districts.
The committee was inaugurated on Wednesday, August 26, as the government moved to translate its plans for post-conflict reconstruction and economic recovery in the area into implementation.
The development comes amid reports of improved security conditions in Bawku, which President Mahama said had created an opportunity for stalled development projects and economic activity to resume.
GH¢1bn Bawku fund moves into implementation
President Mahama said the GH¢1 billion allocation has been made, allowing the revitalisation programme to move from announcement to implementation.
The fund is intended to support infrastructure and other interventions considered necessary by the committee.
Mahama said the objective is not simply to rebuild physical structures but to help Bawku recover its economic importance and regain its position as a major commercial centre.
The President also expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to manage the assignment.
Who will manage the Bawku fund?
The five-member committee is chaired by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
Its other members include Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central; Naba Abugri Cletus Akolwin, Chief of Tempane; Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga; and Garu MP Dr Thomas Winsum Anabah.
The committee is expected to determine how resources are directed towards priority infrastructure and development needs in the affected communities.
Why the Bawku fund matters
The prolonged conflict in Bawku has affected public services, businesses and development projects in the area.
President Mahama said insecurity had previously prevented the government from deploying some National Service personnel and medical workers to Bawku.
Several development projects were also disrupted.
One example cited by the President is the Tamne Irrigation Dam project, which was reportedly stalled after an employee of the contracted company was killed and the contractor withdrew from the area.
The government now believes improved security conditions provide an opportunity to restart such projects.
Roads and healthcare among priorities
The fund is expected to support infrastructure and other development interventions in Bawku and surrounding districts.
Earlier statements from President Mahama indicated that a significant portion of the fund would be directed towards roads and healthcare, including efforts to improve roads and bridges to facilitate the movement of traders and farmers.
The government has also said it intends to complete an Agenda 111 hospital in the area and construct another hospital in Bawku.
These projects are intended to improve access to essential services while supporting the area’s economic recovery.
Mahama says Bawku can regain commercial status
The President has linked the revitalisation programme directly to Bawku’s economic recovery.
He said the government’s ambition is for the town to recapture its former glory as a major commercial centre in Ghana.
That ambition is particularly significant because Bawku has historically served as an important commercial location in northern Ghana, with trade links extending beyond the immediate municipality.
Improving infrastructure could therefore have implications not only for residents but also for traders, farmers, transport operators and businesses across the wider area.
Peace remains critical
The success of the fund will depend heavily on the continuation of peace and security.
Mahama said security conditions in Bawku had improved, noting that reports indicated that gunshots were no longer being heard at night and that violent incidents had abated.
The President has also credited security agencies and other stakeholders with helping to restore stability.
Maintaining that stability will be essential if contractors, businesses, health workers and other professionals are to operate effectively in the area.
From conflict recovery to development
The revitalisation fund follows the government’s acceptance of recommendations from the Otumfuo Mediation Committee on the Bawku conflict.
President Mahama said the government received the mediation report in December 2025 and subsequently moved towards establishing the fund as part of a broader effort to restore peace and development.
The latest committee inauguration represents the next stage of that process.
Rather than remaining at the level of a policy announcement, the fund now has a committee responsible for overseeing its implementation.
What happens next?
The committee’s immediate responsibility will be to identify and prioritise projects that can have the greatest impact on Bawku and surrounding districts.
The government says the fund should benefit as many districts within the Bawku area as possible.
The effectiveness of the initiative will ultimately depend on transparent management, timely project delivery and continued peace.
For residents who have lived through years of disruption, the key measure will be whether the promised investment translates into functioning roads, hospitals, public services, jobs and renewed commercial activity.
Mahama Activates GH¢1bn Bawku Revitalisation Fund – Key details at a glance
- Fund: GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund.
- Purpose: Infrastructure and broader development.
- Committee: Five members.
- Chair: Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
- Member: Mahama Ayariga, Bawku Central MP.
- Member: Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga.
- Member: Garu MP Dr Thomas Winsum Anabah.
- Member: Chief of Tempane, Naba Abugri Cletus Akolwin.
- Key areas: Roads, healthcare and other priority infrastructure.
- Broader objective: Restore Bawku’s economic activity and commercial importance.
FAQ on Story: Mahama Activates GH¢1bn Bawku Revitalisation Fund
How much is the Bawku Revitalisation Fund?
The Bawku Revitalisation Fund is valued at GH¢1 billion. President Mahama said the allocation has now been made and implementation can begin.
Who is managing the GH¢1bn Bawku fund?
A five-member committee chaired by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is responsible for overseeing the fund.
What will the Bawku Revitalisation Fund be used for?
The fund will support infrastructure and other development interventions. Roads and healthcare have been identified as important priorities, alongside projects intended to revive economic activity.
The activation of the GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund marks a significant step in the government’s effort to move the area from conflict recovery towards long-term development. With the committee now in place, attention will shift to project selection, implementation and whether the investment can help restore Bawku’s infrastructure, services and commercial activity while preserving the peace needed for development
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External authority: MyJoyOnline report and Citi Newsroom report
