JIRAPA, GHANA – During the grand durbar of the 2026 Bong-Ngo festival held at the Jirapa Naa Yelpoe II Park, the Paramount Chief of the Jirapa Traditional Area, Naa Dinaa Donglabong Ganaa III, formally appealed to the government to designate Jirapa as the site for the new Upper West Regional Hospital. This appeal comes as the current regional hospital in Wa is slated for an upgrade into a teaching hospital to support the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) medical school, positioning Jirapa as a logical successor for the regional medical facility.
Context of Regional Healthcare and Development
The call for a new regional hospital in Jirapa is framed against the backdrop of significant changes in the region’s healthcare infrastructure. The planned transformation of the Wa Regional Hospital into a teaching hospital signifies an expansion of medical education and advanced care in the Upper West Region. This development, however, necessitates a re-evaluation of where a primary regional hospital should be located to ensure comprehensive healthcare access for the entire region.
Jirapa, as highlighted by the Paramount Chief, is presented as a strategically viable location due to its connectivity. This suggests that the town is well-positioned to serve as a central point for healthcare delivery, potentially reducing travel times and improving accessibility for a larger population compared to other potential sites.
Appeals for Infrastructure and Resource Enhancement
Beyond the central appeal for a new regional hospital, Naa Dinaa Donglabong Ganaa III also drew attention to the pressing issues of neglected infrastructure within the municipality. He pointed to unfinished projects, including town roads and the administration block of the St. Joseph’s Hospital, as symbols of stalled development that require urgent attention and completion.
The traditional leader further detailed specific needs within the educational sector. Jirapa Senior High School is reportedly without a bus, the Community Health Training College lacks a perimeter fence wall, and St. Francis Girls’ Senior High School requires a pickup vehicle. These requests underscore a broader concern for the operational capacity and safety of local educational institutions.
A specific plea was also made for human capital development, with a financial appeal directed towards Pius Zenadubo, a Doctor of Pharmacy student at the University of Cape Coast. This highlights a commitment to nurturing specialized medical talent from the community.
Political Commitments and Collaborative Spirit
Adding immediate political weight to the traditional leader’s developmental agenda, the Member of Parliament for the Jirapa Constituency, Cletus Seidu Dapilah, announced several swift interventions. He pledged to cover examination-related expenses for basic school students preparing for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), aiming to ease pressure during this critical academic transition.
Furthermore, the MP committed to donating 160 bedsheets to the St. Joseph Hospital, addressing an immediate resource constraint and demonstrating support for existing healthcare facilities. The presence of the Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanza Puozuing, representing President John Dramani Mahama, set a tone of unity and shared responsibility for the region’s socioeconomic advancement.
Cultural Showcase and Traditional Significance
The Bong-Ngo festival itself was a vibrant display of royalty, heritage, and cultural practices. The grand entrance of Naa Dinaa Donglabong Ganaa III on horseback captivated the attendees, symbolizing his authority. The event featured traditional dances and theatrical performances that carried significant historical and social messages.
One notable performance highlighted the importance of preserving dawadawa trees by cautioning against premature harvesting, while another play emphasized the socio-economic and nutritional value of the dawadawa fruit. The festival culminated in the traditional granting of permission by the Paramount Chief to commence the dawadawa harvest, adhering to ancestral customs that ensure the fruit is fully mature.
Historical Perspectives and Cultural Preservation
Chief Kuoro Osman Deiwia Nankpa III of Pulima shared a personal anecdote about the historical importance of Jirapa’s medical facilities. He recounted a 1996 incident where he traveled by bicycle to Jirapa to seek emergency medical care for his brother at St. Joseph’s Hospital, underscoring the town’s long-standing role as a medical lifeline.
Chief Nankpa also issued a strong caution against the erosion of local customs in the face of modern influences. He urged the community to remain connected to their roots and traditions amidst Western and Arabian religious influences, emphasizing the theme of cultural reawakening during the festival.
Sponsorship and Support
The successful organization of the 2026 Bong-Ngo celebration was bolstered by significant support from various prominent individuals and corporate entities. Key sponsors recognized included the CEO of Engineers and Planners, Ibrahim Mahama; Sonzele Rural Bank Ltd; Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo); Jirapa MP, Cletus Seidu Dapilah; and Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Other notable contributors were Jayda North America, Jayda Accra-Tema, the Jirapa Municipal Assembly, Member of the Council of State, Michael Kwame Mumuni, and the Vice Chancellor of UBIDS, Prof. Emmanuel Kanchebe Derible.
Looking Ahead
The appeals made during the Bong-Ngo festival highlight a critical juncture for the Jirapa Traditional Area and the broader Upper West Region. The government’s response to the proposal for a new regional hospital, alongside the follow-through on commitments for infrastructure and educational support, will be crucial indicators of regional development priorities. The ongoing dialogue between traditional leadership, political representatives, and government bodies will shape the future healthcare landscape and socioeconomic trajectory of the area.
Leave a Reply