“Our greatest wealth is not in our soil but our people” — Upper West Minister

Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Puozuing declared that the greatest wealth of the region lies in its people, not its soil, at the fourth edition of the Upper West Regional Chief Imam’s Educational Endowment Fund on August 29, 2026. Speaking under the theme "Uniting Against Youth Violence through Education and Peace Building: Our Collective Responsibility," the Minister emphasized that education, skills, and character formation were crucial to the region's future development.

Puozuing praised the Regional Chief Imams Council for establishing the Fund to support bright but needy students, stressing the importance of transparency for its long-term sustainability. He commended the Council for its work, highlighting the values of discipline, respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence that the initiative embodies.

The Minister pledged government support for the Fund and emphasized that building a resilient region where every child had the opportunity to learn was a collective responsibility. He urged all stakeholders—government, teachers, and young people—to work together to ensure that every child had the chance to learn and grow.

Alhaji Azeez Daud, the Secretary of the Upper West Regional Chief Imam Education Endowment Fund, provided an account of the Fund's progress over the past four years. Despite initial apprehension about public contributions, the Fund has grown in credibility and impact. In 2024, more girls than boys benefited from the Fund, with 12 females receiving support compared to 17 males. This deliberate focus on supporting girls who often face greater barriers to education highlights the Fund's commitment to inclusive development.