As Prime Minister Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute arrived in Bamenda on Thursday, 3 July 2025, to chair the 7th Session of the Steering Committee of the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the North West and South West Regions (PPRD-NW/SW), waves of optimism emerged from corners often overshadowed by conflict.
On the sidelines of the PM’s arrival, Dr Clement Che Bonuh, a prominent youth advocate from Ngoketunjia Division, spoke with Hilltopvoices and offered an emotional but measured reflection on what the visit and more importantly, the ongoing reconstruction means for young people in the region.
“We are happy that the PM has come to check the PPRD projects. All the projects that have been done in Ngoketunjia through this programme are making the youths happy. It’s giving hope. Hope that they have a government that listens, that caters, and most importantly, that implements their ideas.” Dr Che Bonuh began.
Ngoketunjia Division, long considered a flashpoint in the Anglophone conflict, has seen a fair share of violence and uncertainty over the years. But for Che Bonuh, the narrative is beginning to shift. The youth, once branded victims and bystanders, are now positioning themselves as stewards of peace and development.
“We are promising the Prime Minister and the entire government that we, the youths of Ngoketunjia and the youth of the North West in general will preserve these projects for the future. So that generations after us can benefit as well.”
Among the initiatives cited by Dr Che Bonuh is the renovation of local markets and financial investments channelled into the Upper Noun Valley Development Authority (UNVDA) a once struggling agricultural structure now seeing revitalisation under the PPRD-NW/SW.
“The UNVDA is our pride. It recruits so many youths, not just in Ngoketunjia but across the North West and beyond. The government’s support to it is not only welcome, it’s transformative.” he affirmed
For a division marked by tension and socio-political uncertainty, the position of Dr Che Bonuh reads like a turning page. While conflict still lingers, the evidence of renewal through tangible projects is beginning to weigh on public consciousness.
“Because they have given to us, it’s time for us to give back. We will do everything within our means to ensure that youths are mobilised more than ever to stand by the government and the different projects being carried out.” he noted
Prime Minister Dion Ngute’s third official visit to Bamenda comes at a pivotal time. His mission includes evaluating the PPRD’s impact, inspecting key projects like the Bamenda Proximity Stadium, and listening to stakeholders including youth voices from across the region. His previous visits were met with tension and resistance, but this time the tone is different. The streets are open. The crowds are present. And voices like Che Bonuh’s are stepping forward not just to observe, but to participate.
As the region cautiously watches the outcomes of this high stakes visit, one thing is clear: hope, though fragile, is no longer a whisper. It is being spoken aloud by the very generation the future depends on.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77