Nadowli-Kaleo DCE Updates RCC on Security, Potentials, and Development Gaps

Wa, Upper West Region – The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Nadowli-Kaleo, Hon. Mary Haruna, has presented a comprehensive update on the state of the district at the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) meeting held in Wa on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Touching on security, the DCE reported that the district remains generally calm, although recent incidents have raised concerns. On July 16 this year, a patrol team from the Ghana Immigration Service intercepted an attempted smuggling of 250 drums of sodium cyanide near the Black Volta River at Zupri. With support from NADMO and the youth, the consignment was secured and later transported to Nadowli, and an investigation is ongoing.

She also revealed that tensions between Azumah Resources Ghana Ltd. and some district youth, which erupted two months ago, have eased following dialogue initiated by the District Security Council. Both sides have been urged to honour their commitments to maintain lasting peace.

On development projects, Hon. Haruna said the district had recorded mixed progress. The rehabilitation of the Goli-Kaabogu feeder road and the upgrading of the St. Augustine SHS football field at Charikpong have been completed and are awaiting handover. Spot improvement works on the Loho Junction–Nabuku feeder road have also been finalised. However, some initiatives remain stalled, including the rehabilitation of the Gbankor earth dam, which stands at 50 per cent, and the Kpaala-Kuuri feeder road, which has reached only 40 per cent completion. Other projects such as CHPS compounds at Chaang and Vogoni, as well as classroom blocks at Kpaala and Chaang, are still at the procurement stage.

Highlighting the district’s economic potential, the DCE pointed to the expected full-scale operation of Azumah Resources Ltd., which is anticipated to generate jobs and boost revenue. She added that the vast arable lands and dams along the Black Volta provide opportunities for agriculture, irrigation, and agro-processing. The district also boasts of untapped tourist sites, including Ombo Wura, as well as abundant Shea and Dawadawa trees that could support shea butter and food processing ventures. She therefore called on investors to consider coming to the district to access the various business avenues in the district.

Despite these prospects, she lamented that persistent chieftaincy disputes continue to drain resources and obstruct development. The district also faces inadequate police personnel, with only 54 officers currently available against a requirement of at least 100. The deplorable condition of the Wa–Nadowli–Kaleo highway was cited as another obstacle, with potholes affecting transportation, safety, and economic activity. Furthermore, the resurgence of alluvial mining along the Black Volta remains a threat to water bodies, farmlands, and livelihoods.

Finally, Hon. Haruna called for urgent interventions to address these challenges while stressing the need to harness the district’s vast resources for sustainable growth.