Western Highlands Provincial Government
About Our Province
Welcome to Western Highlands Provincial Government Website. Western Highlands Province in Papua New Guinea covers an area of 4,299 square kilometers and had a population of 362,850 according to the 2011 Census, making it the ninth most populous province in the country. It shares administrative boundaries with Jiwaka, Enga, SHP, and Madang provinces. The province is land-locked and relies on air and road transportation, with Mt. Hagen serving as the urbanized capital and transportation hub of the Highlands region. WHP has a reliable road network and access to the Highlands Highway, as well as the Kagamuga regional airport, connecting it to other parts of the country. However, the province faces challenges related to low land mobilization, high transport costs, and law and order issues, which hinder its economic development and pose safety concerns for its residents.
Despite its challenges, the Western Highlands Province benefits from its central location and transportation infrastructure. Efforts to address issues such as limited land utilization, expensive transport costs, and law and order problems can contribute to the province’s overall development and well-being. By improving land mobilization, reducing transportation expenses, and ensuring safety and security, WHP can further enhance its potential for economic growth and create a better living environment for its population.
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
 The WHP TVET Education sector receives a coordination vehicle. After the establishment of 22 TVET Schools in the Province, Honorable Governor Wai Rapa, was at the liberty to grace the sector with a new Toyota Land Cruiser Double Cab Ute with the support of Provicial Administrator Mr.Joseph Mangbil last week. The Vehicle was received on behalf of the sector by WHP Provicial TVET Manager, Mr. Peter Nori. Mr.Nori thanked Hon.Wai Rapa for the timely gift to boost the sector going forward. |  Wednesday, 3 June 2026 Western Highlands Provincial Governor, Hon. Wai Rapa, has called on the Minister for Education and the National Government to provide urgent clarification regarding the implementation of Papua New Guinea's ongoing education reform program, particularly concerning the status of Grade 8 and Grade 10 National Examinations in 2026. Western Highlands Province is among the pilot provinces selected to implement the Government's education reform agenda. |  Mt Hagen Hospital is set to open a new radiology department equipped with modern medical machines that will improve health services for the Highlands region. The new radiology department at the hospital will provide advanced services including CT Scan, Mammogram, X-ray and Ultrasound. |
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 A major milestone in peacebuilding and community reconciliation was witnessessd yesterday at Mentip Ripi Village in Dei District, Western Highlands Province, where the Kombulga and Minimbi tribes formally resolved a longstanding conflict through a traditional compensation ceremony. The event brought both communities together in a powerful display of forgiveness, unity, and restored relationships. As part of the customary settlement, the Kombulga tribe presented a compensation package. |  A realistic budget of K113.9m was passed today by Provincial Assembly for the 2026 financial year. The budget will mainly forcus on "Going Rural"Program initiated by Governor Hon.Wai Rapa. |  Western Highlands Province Governor’s Charity Ball 2026, hosted by the Eagle Foundation Inc, was held at Mara House last night in Mount Hagen and brought together government leaders, corporate sponsors, and business executives in a major humanitarian fundraising event in support of healthcare development in the Highlands region. The event focused on raising funds for the rehabilitation of the Children Paediatric Ward at Mount Hagen General Hospital, a vital regional hospital serving children. |
