- Jirapa Paramount Chief Naa Dinaa Donglabong Ganaa III appeals to government to select Jirapa as the strategic location for the new Upper West Regional Hospital.
- The current Regional Hospital in Wa is slated for upgrade into a teaching hospital to serve the medical school of the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS).
- Naa Dinaa Donglabong Ganaa III emphasizes Jirapa's natural and practical suitability for the regional facility due to its status as a hub of connectivity.
The Bong-Ngo festival, celebrated annually in the Jirapa Traditional Area, has taken on a new significance with the Paramount Chief's passionate appeal to the government. Speaking at the grand durbar of the 2026 Bong-Ngo festival at the Jirapa Naa Yelpoe II Park, Naa Dinaa Donglabong Ganaa III emphasized the need for a new regional hospital in Jirapa, citing its strategic location and existing infrastructure.
The Paramount Chief's appeal comes at a time when the current Regional Hospital in Wa is set to be upgraded into a teaching hospital to serve the medical school of the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS). According to Naa Dinaa Donglabong Ganaa III, Jirapa is the natural and practical successor for the regional facility, given its status as a hub of connectivity.
Background: The Significance of the Bong-Ngo Festival
The Bong-Ngo festival is an annual celebration in the Jirapa Traditional Area, marked by grand entrances of various chiefs and queen mothers, traditional dances, and theatrical performances. The festival is a significant cultural event in the region, showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of the Jirapa people.
However, this year's festival took on a new significance with the Paramount Chief's appeal to the government. The appeal highlights the need for a new regional hospital in Jirapa, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare in the region.
Naa Dinaa Donglabong Ganaa III's Developmental Agenda
During the festival, Naa Dinaa Donglabong Ganaa III outlined his developmental agenda for the Jirapa Traditional Area. He emphasized the need for logistical support across local schools, citing the lack of a bus at Jirapa Senior High School, a fence wall at the Community Health Training College, and a pickup vehicle at St. Francis Girls' Senior High School.
The Paramount Chief also advocated for human capital development, making a special financial appeal for Pius Zenadubo, a Doctor of Pharmacy student at the University of Cape Coast. He emphasized the importance of investing in the education and training of the next generation of leaders in the region.
Government Commitment to Development
The Member of Parliament for the Jirapa Constituency, Cletus Seidu Dapilah, announced swift interventions to support the Paramount Chief's developmental agenda. He pledged to cover exam-related expenses for basic schools, especially those who are about to write the 2026 BECE, to ensure students are comfortable during critical transition periods.
Cletus Seidu Dapilah also committed to donating 160 bedsheets to the St. Joseph Hospital to alleviate immediate resource constraints. His announcement highlights the government's commitment to supporting the development of the region.
Looking Ahead
The Paramount Chief's appeal to the government marks a significant step towards addressing the need for accessible healthcare in the Jirapa Traditional Area. As the government considers upgrading the current regional hospital into a teaching hospital, Jirapa is poised to become the strategic location for the new Upper West Regional Hospital.
The successful implementation of the Paramount Chief's developmental agenda will require the collaboration of all stakeholders, including the government, local leaders, and the community. By working together, the people of Jirapa can look forward to a brighter future, marked by improved healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
