Andrews Atariwini, the Deputy Communications Director for the NPP in the Upper East Region has suggested a paradigm shift in the minds of people resident in the region to address poverty.

Mr. Atariwini underscored that the region’s high poverty rates demand urgent attention and concerted efforts from all stakeholders.

The Deputy Communication Director for the NPP in the Upper East Region argued passionately that addressing poverty requires more than superficial measures; it necessitates a holistic approach that tackles root causes and empowers local communities.

He criticised political influences that prioritize short-term gains over long-term community welfare, calling for policies that prioritize sustainable development and equitable distribution of resources.

Furthermore, he highlighted the invaluable role of traditional chiefs in driving meaningful change within their communities. He praised their potential as agents of development and advocated for empowering chiefs to spearhead local initiatives tailored to community needs.

In line with his proposed holistic approach, Mr. Atariwini stressed the importance of fostering a mindset shift towards development. He argued that true progress stems from empowering communities to identify and implement solutions that are culturally and economically sustainable.

He urged against reliance on external interventions that may not align with local realities, emphasizing instead the need for participatory development strategies.

Regarding the recent Multidimensional Poverty Index, he expressed reservations about its accuracy in reflecting the realities of the Upper East Region.

He cautioned against using generalized data points that might overlook specific challenges faced by different communities within the region and urged stakeholders to collaborate closely with local leaders and residents to co-create solutions that are meaningful, sustainable, and transformative for the Upper East Region.

Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga