Let us prioritise our political orientation for resource development - Minister

Stephen Yakubu, the Upper West Regional Minister, has appealed to the people of the region to prioritise their political orientation to secure an adequate share of resources for development.

He observed that, over the years, the country's political power and resources have been managed by either the NPP or the NDC.

"Our orientation needs to change; our voting pattern needs balance so that, at any given time, the region can always gain some resources for development, regardless of which party is in power," he emphasized.

Yakubu made this appeal during separate visits to the Busa and Guli Paramountcies within the Waala Traditional Council. He introduced himself to Busa Naa Ali Seidu Pelpuo Yelmaana, the Paramount Chief of the Busa Traditional Area, and Guli Naa Nubalanaang Seidu Braimah, the Paramount Chief of the Guli Traditional Area, to solicit their support and cooperation in administering the region.

He attributed the high poverty levels among the region's populace to human actions and urged the people to adopt new methods, particularly in political, economic, social, and cultural practices, to create wealth and improve livelihoods, thereby reducing poverty.

He specifically called on the youth to take advantage of the government's pro-poor policies and programs for self-improvement.

Yakubu expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers and the people of the region for maintaining peace and encouraged them to partner with his administration to ensure continued peace and collaborate on all fronts to bring much-needed development to the region.

He announced that the government is providing the region with a total of 110 boreholes across the 11 municipalities and districts to supply potable water to communities facing water scarcity. Some boreholes will be mechanized, while others will be equipped with hand pumps.

Busa Naa Seidu Pelpuo commended the government for paving the Wa-Busa road, which has facilitated the movement of people, goods, and services. He appealed for the establishment of a modern market to boost economic activities in the communities and reduce poverty.

Additionally, he requested that the government consider upgrading the Busa Health Centre to a polyclinic to meet the health needs of the populace and suggested dredging the Busa Dam to support dry season vegetable farming and livestock production.

On agriculture, Busa Naa urged the government to consistently provide farmers with necessary inputs and equipment, such as fertilizers and extension services, in a timely manner to enable them to expand their acreages and produce more food for domestic consumption and export.

Guli Naa Nubalanaang Braimah pledged the Paramountcy's full support to Yakubu in administering the region to foster development. However, he expressed disappointment over the sale of lands, initially released to the government for development projects, to private developers instead of returning them to the original landowners.

He warned that this practice could lead to mistrust between the government and traditional authorities regarding land releases for development if not addressed immediately.

He appealed to the Wa Municipal Assembly to provide furniture and textbooks to the Guli Primary and Junior High Schools to enhance teaching and learning.