The North East Region of Ghana, established in 2019 as part of the government’s regional reorganisation agenda, has faced numerous challenges, including poverty, gender inequality, and inadequate infrastructure. At the forefront of addressing these issues is Hon. Ibrahim Tia, the current North East Regional Minister. Appointed in early 2025, Ibrahim Tia has swiftly positioned himself as a dedicated public servant committed to the region’s development and the welfare of its people.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in the North East Region, Ibrahim Tia’s deep connection to the area has profoundly influenced his approach to governance. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information and Communication Technology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies, and a Mini MBA in Project Management. His academic background, combined with his extensive experience in public health finance and local government, equips him with the skills necessary to tackle the region’s multifaceted challenges.
Professional Background
Before his appointment as Regional Minister, Ibrahim Tia served as the Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the North East Region since 2019. His tenure in this role allowed him to work closely with local communities, understand their needs, and build relationships with various stakeholders. Additionally, Ibrahim has a rich background in public health finance, having worked with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), where he rose from District Manager to Deputy Regional Manager for the Northern Regional Office. His experience in health systems management, public relations, and health financing has been instrumental in shaping his approach to regional development.
Vision for the North East Region
Upon his appointment, Ibrahim Tia outlined a comprehensive vision for the North East Region, focusing on sustainable development, social equity, and infrastructural improvement.
1. Poverty Eradication and Economic Empowerment
Recognizing the high levels of poverty in the region, Ibrahim has prioritized economic empowerment initiatives. He advocates for promoting all-year-round farming, leveraging the region’s agricultural potential. By collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders, he aims to support the production of crops like rice, tomatoes, and watermelon. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of operationalizing the uncompleted watermelon factory to create jobs and boost local economic activities.
2. Addressing Gender Inequality
Ibrahim Tia is committed to promoting gender equality in the North East Region. He has pledged to prioritize women’s involvement in decision-making processes and regional development initiatives. By championing efforts that empower women and address disparities, he aims to ensure that women play a central role in the region’s progress.
3. Improving Sanitation and Water Access
Sanitation remains a significant challenge in the region, with open defecation being prevalent. Ibrahim has pledged to tackle this issue through continuous community sensitization and collaboration with Members of Parliament to improve access to affordable water across communities. He emphasizes that better water supply will play a key role in reducing open defecation and improving overall sanitation.
4. Conflict Resolution and Community Peace
Understanding the importance of peace for development, Ibrahim Tia has committed to working with traditional leaders, security agencies, and community members to resolve disputes and maintain stability. His approach focuses on collaboration and dialogue to foster unity and create an environment conducive to development.
Challenges and Responses
The North East Region faces several challenges that require immediate attention. One such issue is the Gambaga Witch Camp, which has been a subject of controversy. Ibrahim Tia has provided a historical context for the camp’s existence, explaining that it was established as a refuge for individuals accused of witchcraft, offering them protection from execution—a practice that has unfortunately occurred in the past. Acknowledging the efforts of the Go Home Project and other NGOs to reintegrate willing residents into their communities, he noted that some residents prefer to remain at the camp for their safety. He emphasized that while the ultimate goal is to abolish such camps, it must be done in a way that ensures the safety and dignity of those involved.
Another significant challenge is the Bagre Dam spillage, which has affected communities in the region. Ibrahim Tia has suggested that the construction of the Pwalugu Dam could provide a lasting solution for the community, offering protection against such disasters in the future.
Community Engagement and Public Perception
Since assuming office, Ibrahim Tia has made concerted efforts to engage with the community. On his inaugural day, he was warmly welcomed by enthusiastic constituents who accompanied him as he commenced his duties. This display of support reflects the community’s trust in his leadership and their hope for positive change.
His proactive approach to governance, characterized by transparency, accountability, and active listening, has further strengthened his rapport with the people. By addressing their concerns and involving them in the decision-making process, Ibrahim Tia is fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility among the residents of the North East Region.
Looking Ahead
As Ibrahim Tia continues in his role as North East Regional Minister, his commitment to the region’s development remains steadfast. Through his strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, he aims to transform the North East Region into a model of sustainable development, social equity, and community resilience. His leadership serves as an inspiration for other regions, demonstrating that with dedication, vision, and inclusive governance, significant positive change is achievable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Ibrahim Tia?
Ibrahim Tia is the current North East Regional Minister of Ghana, appointed in early 2025. He has a background in public health finance and local government and previously served as the Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the North East Region.
2. What is Ibrahim Tia’s vision for the North East Region?
His vision focuses on sustainable development, poverty eradication, gender equality, improved sanitation, and infrastructural development. He aims to harness the region’s agricultural potential and promote all-year-round farming to boost the local economy.
3. How does Ibrahim Tia plan to address gender inequality in the region?
Ibrahim Tia is committed to promoting women’s involvement in decision-making processes and regional development initiatives. He aims to empower women and ensure they play a central role in the region’s progress.
4. What steps is Ibrahim Tia taking to improve sanitation in the North East Region?
He plans to tackle open defecation through continuous community sensitization and collaboration with Members of Parliament to improve access to affordable water across communities, thereby enhancing overall sanitation.
5. How is Ibrahim Tia addressing the issue of the Gambaga Witch Camp?
Ibrahim Tia has provided a historical context for the camp’s existence and emphasized the importance of sensitization and stakeholder engagement in addressing societal perceptions of witchcraft. He aims to abolish such camps in a way that ensures the safety and dignity of those involved.
6. What is Ibrahim Tia’s approach to conflict resolution in the region?
He focuses on collaboration with traditional leaders, security agencies, and community members to resolve disputes and maintain stability, fostering unity and creating an environment conducive to development.
7. How did the community respond to Ibrahim Tia’s appointment?
The community welcomed him warmly on his inaugural day, reflecting their trust in his leadership and hope for positive change. His proactive approach to governance has further strengthened his rapport with the people.
8. What challenges is Ibrahim Tia facing in his role?
He is addressing challenges such as poverty, gender inequality, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental issues like the Bagre Dam spillage. He is working towards sustainable solutions to these problems.
9. How does Ibrahim Tia plan to promote economic development in the region?
He plans to promote all-year-round farming by collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders to support the production of crops like rice, tomatoes, and watermelon, boosting local economic activities.
10. What is Ibrahim Tia’s commitment to transparency and accountability?
He is dedicated to transparent and accountable governance, involving the community in decision-making processes and addressing their concerns to foster a sense of ownership and collective responsibility.
In conclusion, Ibrahim Tia’s leadership in the North East Region exemplifies a commitment to transformative governance. His strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts aim to address the region’s challenges and pave the way for sustainable development, social equity, and community resilience.