Thursday, 22 May 2014

Chiefs commend gov’t for its development efforts



22-05-14     
Some paramount and divisional chiefs in the Upper East Region have lauded government in its development effort.  At separate functions to welcome the new Upper East Regional Minister, Dr Ephraim Avea Nsoh, the chiefs expressed satisfaction at the level of development in most deprived areas of the country, but  pleaded that chunk of government’s revenue should be use to undertake more developmental projects in northern parts of the country. This they explained has become necessary considering the level of under-development and deprivation in the north. The Regional Minister accompanied by officials from the Regional Coordinating Council  RCC paid courtesy calls on selected traditional councils and paramountcies to formerly announce his appointment as minister for the region. The visit was to also dialogue with the traditional authorities and familiarise himself with their developmental challenges. Areas visited include Naaga, Kologo Paga, Sirigu,  Mirigu and Navrongo, all in the Kassena-Nankana district. At Naaga , Naba Bosingo Olando was impressed at the level of development in the area. Whilst commending government for the steps taken, Naba Olando, appealed for adequate school infrastructure and further asked for additional junior high schools to be built in the area to help enhance quality education. He moreover charged government to support farmers with farming inputs and machinery, particularly tractors to enable them produce more yield. The extension of rural electrification was of a major concern to the chiefs and people of Kologo. Members of the Association for the blind brought their concern. To them, they have being neglected as far as their wellbeing is concerned. They therefore urged government to consider their plight and empower to become self reliant. The Paramount Chief of the Paga Traditional Area, Pe Charles Awampaga, underscored the need for a stationed district police commander for Paga.  He said the country’s borders are porous and require adequate security to check miscreants and other criminal activities such as fuel smuggling. Dr Nsoh in reaction to the request made, lamented on the proliferation of fuel stations along the Paga-Navrongo road and pleaded with the managers of the various stations to be vigilant in helping to expose the activities of fuel smuggling. He also charged them to sell their products to those within the region. At Sirigu, the spokesperson for the chief acknowledged the potentials of the area and called on the government to assist them with road infrastructure to link up the divisional areas, notably the Kandiga-Sirigu road which is currently under construction.  He also emphasized the need for irrigation and proper drainage system. For their part, the chiefs and people of Mirigu appealed to government to ensure the speedy completion of the Mirigu bridge and importantly assist the community with potable water. They also appealed for a police post and a hospital.  The Minister’s last point of call was at the Navro-Pio’s palace where issue of fuel smuggling was again highlighted. The Regional Minister called on the Navro pio, and the assembly to support him execute his development agenda.
GBC                                                                          END                                                                 IA/

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