Zuarungu, Nov. 2, GNA - Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Saturday said undoubtedly, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Government has lived up to its promise to reduce poverty and improve access to good health and education in the country. He said after nearly eight years in office, the Kufuor administration has proved to Ghanaians what positive change meant in reality.

Alhaji Mahama was addressing a durbar of the chiefs and people of the Zuarungu Traditional Area in the Upper East Region, during the celebration of the "Ndaakoya" festival. He said the NPP has ensured " The building of new schools and improving schools, rehabilitation of old roads and the building of new roads, hospitals, health centres, an improved health delivery system, and a stable economy".

Alhaji Mahama said that the extension of electricity to the traditional area as well as the improvement of roads within the Zuarungu township were ongoing. He announced that Parliament had approved the contracting of a 12-million-dollar facility from Saudi Arabia for the upgrading of the Bolgatanga Central Hospital to the status of a standard referral health facility.

Vice-President Mahama introduced Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, running mate to the NPP presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for Election 2008 to the gathering.

Alhaji Mahama also introduced Madam Mercy Alima Musah, NPP Parliamentary candidate for Bolgatanga Central, to the people. The Vice-President urged the electorate to retain the NPP in power to enable it to continue enjoying freedom and prosperity. He expressed concern about reported instances of violence during the ongoing electioneering in some parts of the country, and appealed to the people of the area to help make this year's elections free, fair and peaceful.

Dr. Bawumia said the bridging of the development gap between the northern and southern parts of the country had been his vision for a long-time time.

He said that was one of the reasons that motivated him to take up the position of running mate in the presidential race. Dr. Bawumia called on the people to vote for the NPP in both the presidential and parliamentary elections, to enable the party create more jobs to reduce poverty and improve their living conditions. 2 Nov. 08