Unresolved land ownership, boundary and compensation disputes are increasingly constraining infrastructure development in the Upper East Region, Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, has said.
He expressed particular concern about the stalled construction of a perimeter fence wall at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, attributing the delay to unresolved compensation claims by landowners.
Mr Akamugri explained that the absence of a perimeter wall posed a major challenge, especially as the hospital had been earmarked for upgrade into a Teaching Hospital to support the training of medical doctors for the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Navrongo.
Already, in July 2025, Professor Richard Adanu, the Rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, together with other relevant officials of the College, visited the Regional Hospital and certified it to commence postgraduate medical training in January 2026.
The move marked a major step towards strengthening the healthcare system in the region, particularly in addressing the shortage of critical health professionals and the refusal of some medical doctors to accept postings to the region.
Addressing members of the Bolgatanga, Nangodi, Bongo and Tongo (BONABOTO) Association at Damolg-Tindongo in the Nabdam District during their biennial congress, the Regional Minister said the land compensation impasse was slowing critical projects needed to drive development in the regional capital, which he described as the heart of the region.
“In one troubling instance, a landowner formally petitioned the Regional Health Directorate, threatening to demolish a bungalow situated on his ancestral land unless compensation demands were met,” he lamented.
Although BONABOTO had intervened and offered support to help resolve aspects of the dispute, Mr. Akamugri said the incident underscored the urgent need for a more coordinated and proactive approach to land-related challenges.
He called on BONABOTO to intensify engagement with affected landowners to facilitate progress on stalled projects, while he continued to liaise with the Ministry of Health to ensure the timely payment of compensation.
Additionally, Mr. Akamugri cited the long-standing land boundary dispute between Tongo Beo and Zuarungu, noting that although tensions had eased following BONABOTO’s engagement with traditional authorities at the request of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), the matter remained unresolved.
He stressed that sustained dialogue, community engagement and the active involvement of opinion leaders and privileged citizens were critical to safeguarding public assets, resolving land disputes, and ensuring uninterrupted development in the Upper East Region.
The Regional Minister also raised concerns about security-related disputes in the region, notably the Bolgatanga Skin dispute, which is currently before the Judicial Committee of the National House of Chiefs.
While awaiting a final determination, he urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint and commit to respecting the outcome in the interest of lasting peace in the regional capital and the wider BONABOTO enclave.
Professor Smauel Awinkine Atintono, National President of BONABOTO reiterated the commitment of the Association to advancing development of the region through advocacy and dialogue.
The Congress which also coincided with the Silver Jubilee of the BONABOTO was held on the theme, “Our Legacy, Unity, Advocacy, Culture and Impact – The Journey Continues.”