Government solicits support of chiefs for development

Tamale, Oct. 6, GNA - Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, Northern Regional Minister has solicited the support of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs to complement government's efforts at achieving the Better Ghana Agenda.

He said government welcomes the co-operation of chiefs to ensure the success of the on-going National Population and Housing Census, implementation of Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) and tackling of the menace of Fulani herdsmen. Mr Mabengba made the appeal on Tuesday in Tamale during the general meeting of the Regional House of Chiefs. He said government had placed premium in nipping in the bud the intermittent conflicts in the region in order to guarantee the fundamental rights of the people.

Mr Mabengba said the Regional Security Committee would not sit aloof for lives and property to be destroyed through chieftaincy disputes adding that "We shall remain resolute to secure and maintain peace in the region".

Touching on development projects in the region, the Regional Minister said a contract would soon be signed for the construction of the Eastern Corridor roads, linking the area to Volta and Upper East regions while works on the Fulfuso-Sawla road is on course. Na Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, Acting President of the Regional House of Chiefs in a speech read on his behalf pledged the support of the chiefs to the government in all interventions aimed at developing the country.

He commended the government for the passage of the SADA bill into law and called for expedite action to implement the project to bridge the development gap between the northern and southern parts of the country.

"Government must also consider increasing the seed capital of the SADA from GH¢35 million to adequately address the problems facing the people in the projects catchment areas," Na Bohugu added. He appealed to the government to increase funding to the house to enable it to adjudicate cases to pave the way for peace and development. Na Bohugu expressed concern about the increasing influence of foreign culture on the youth and urged the government to find appropriate means of reversing the trend.

He urged his colleagues to participate in the upcoming National Festival of Art and Culture, which the region would host to showcase the rich culture of the people.