New U/E Regional Minister pledges an open door policy

Cross section of participants

The two ministers in a prayer mood

The new Upper East Regional Minister, Albert Abongo has expressed his readiness to create a level playing field for all players at the various sectors of the region to have a stake in his development agenda.

He said with the total support of the people in the region, a lot can be achieved within the year as his predecessor has laid a solid foundation for development to strive.

Mr Abongo renewed his commitment to addressing the basic needs of his people, emphasizing his desire to vigorously pursue the drawing and implementation of the proposed Regional Strategic Development Plan, which is said to serve as a blueprint to propel the development of the region.

According to him, stakeholders involving donor partners and government agencies will be brought on board to commit adequate resources to ensuring the successful implementation of the plan. Mr Abongo, gave the assurance after a handing over ceremony that saw the exit of the outgoing Regional Minister, James Zuuga Tiigah in Bolgatanga.

Radio Ghana’s Isaac Asare reports that over the last three years, the Upper East Region has witnessed series of transition of power from one regional minister to the other as a result of government ministerial reshuffles.

The recent changes made in the government machinery saw the removal of the outgoing Regional Minister, James Zuuga Tiigah, who succeeded Dr. Ephraim Aveah Nsoh in 2014.

Though his exit came as a surprise to many, it is believed that development will continue to strive if the people put their shoulders to the wheel by supporting their leaders to chart the course of development.

At an official handing over ceremony held at the premises of the Regional Coordinating Council, the outgoing Minister, James Zuugah Tiigah thanked the people of the region for the valued support given him since his assumption.

He said his brief stay in office has enabled him to identify some development gaps that have for years crippled the fortunes of the region.

He said the region has enormous potentials that could be developed and harnessed to enhance the living conditions of the people.

He described development as a process, indicating that government budget cannot develop the region unless prudent measures are initiated sell the region so as to woo the needed investors.

He also underscored the urgent need for the region to have a free zone enclave with an appreciable government rebate.

This, he noted will encourage business entities to establish factories in the region. He spoke with Radio Ghana.

The new Regional Minister, Albert Abongo commended Mr Tiigah and his administration for the effort made in advancing the cause of the region.

He, however pledged an open door policy and called on all stakeholders particularly the chiefs and the youth to rally behind his development agenda.

He moreover, expressed his determination to alleviate poverty and lessen the plight of the people and stressed that his major priority will be to pursuing the proposed blueprint of the region while working on other viable sectors of the region.

Mr. Abongo, however called on the corporation of all in achieving the set agenda.

The ceremony was attended by various stakeholders including heads of decentralized departments as well as MDCEs in the region.

Also present were representatives from various security agencies, NGOs, CSOs and a cross section of the public.


GBC