Wa, Upper West Region – June 7, 2026
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has officially cut sod for the construction of a new ultra-modern conference hall at the Wa Naa’s Palace, marking the beginning of a transformative redevelopment project aimed at preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Waala State while positioning the Upper West Region as a destination for investment and tourism.
The sod-cutting ceremony, held on Saturday, formed part of the first phase of the Shea Park Industrial Resource Hub initiative. Addressing a gathering of traditional leaders, government officials, and residents, Mr. Bagbin described the project as a legacy investment that would benefit generations yet unborn.
“This is a transgenerational act,” he stated. “Our great-great-grandchildren will look at this project and proudly say it was built for them.”
The Speaker stressed that the success of the project would depend on collective community participation, noting that ownership extends beyond any individual.
“This is not my project. It belongs to all of us. Every stakeholder has a role to play in ensuring its success,” he said.
Mr. Bagbin also assured contractors involved in the project of timely payments, criticizing the long-standing culture of delayed payments that has affected many public infrastructure projects over the years.
The redevelopment project represents the first major facelift of the centuries-old Wa Naa Palace since the 1920s. According to the Speaker, every effort has been made to preserve the palace’s distinctive Sudanese architectural style while meeting international heritage conservation standards.
He disclosed that the project has been designed in line with UNESCO requirements as part of ongoing efforts to secure World Heritage Site status for the historic palace.
Touching on perceptions about northern Ghana, Mr. Bagbin strongly rejected attempts to portray Wa in a negative light. He referenced comments allegedly made by an individual in southern Ghana and reiterated his commitment to supporting efforts that preserve the city’s unique identity and attractiveness.
“Wa has consistently distinguished itself as one of the cleanest cities in the country. We must continue to protect its image and make it more welcoming for residents and visitors alike,” he stated.
The Speaker linked the palace redevelopment to broader economic ambitions for the Upper West Region, emphasizing that infrastructure, peace, and cultural pride are critical ingredients for attracting investment.
“When expecting an important guest, we clean and prepare our homes. In the same way, we must create an environment that attracts investors and development partners,” he said.
He further called on residents to maintain peace and unity, warning that conflicts and disputes discourage potential investors and undermine development efforts.
Mr. Bagbin revealed that extensive consultations had been undertaken across all eleven districts of the region before the commencement of the project. He expressed optimism that the conference hall could be completed and commissioned in time for this year’s Dumba Festival.
The Waala State, through a message delivered on behalf of the Wa Naa, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, expressed profound gratitude to the Speaker for what it described as an extraordinary contribution to the development of the traditional area.
The statement, read by the Wa Naa’s Secretary, Jinpenhi Naa Kadiri Ibrahim, noted that the traditional authority struggled to find adequate words to express appreciation for Mr. Bagbin’s unwavering commitment to the region.
The Wa Naa commended the Speaker for championing several transformative initiatives, including the Upper West Shea Park Resource Hub and the unveiling of the regional flag, describing them as symbols of unity, cultural pride, and economic empowerment.
“Today’s palace project demonstrates that true leadership is measured not only by words but by tangible actions that improve the lives of people,” the statement noted.
Special recognition was also given to lead consultant and project supervisor, Prof. Kwame Addo, for successfully integrating modern architectural design with the palace’s rich cultural identity.
Traditional leaders praised the consultant for ensuring that the redevelopment preserves the historical character of the palace while introducing modern facilities capable of meeting contemporary needs.
For many residents, the project represents more than the construction of a conference facility. It symbolizes a renewed commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Waala people, enhancing the image of the regional capital, and opening new opportunities for tourism, investment, and economic growth in the Upper West Region.
