Zuarungu, Nov. 3, GNA - Without any shred of doubt, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Government, has lived up to its promise to reduce poverty and improve access to good health and education, Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama declared on Saturday.

"After nearly eight years in office, the Kufuor administration has proved to Ghanaians what positive change means in reality," said Vice President Mahama when addressing a durbar of chiefs and people of Zuarungu Traditional Area in the Upper East Region to climax this year's "Ndaakoya" Festival celebrations.

He said some of the achievements were new and improved schools, rehabilitated and new roads, hospitals, health centres, improved health delivery system, and a stable economy.

Others were the on-going extension of electricity to communities in the Zuarungu Traditional Area, and improvement of roads within Zuarungu Township.

Vice President Mahama announced that Parliament had approved a 12-million-dollar loan facility from Saudi Arabia for the upgrading of Bolgatanga Central Hospital to the status of a standard referral hospital.

He introduced Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, NPP Vice Presidential Candidate for Election 2008 and Madam Mercy Alima Musah, NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Bolgatanga Central Constituency to the people. Vice President Mahama urged them to retain the NPP in power to continue to enjoy the prevailing freedom and prosperity. However, he expressed concern about reported instances of violence during the electioneering campaign in some parts of the country, and appealed to the people in the area to shun violence and help make this year's elections free and fair.

Dr Bawumia, said bridging the development gap between the North and South had been a long-time passion and was the major reason he agreed to partner Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, NPP Presidential Candidate. He urged the people to vote massively for the NPP on December 7, to enable the Government bring the much-needed jobs that would reduce poverty and improve their living standards.

Naba Charles Ayamga, Paramount Chief of Zuarungu Traditional Area, said it was necessary to disabuse the minds of those who perceived festivals as occasions for only merry-making, that the theme for this year's celebration was chosen.

It was under the theme, "Twelve Years of Ndaakoya: Its Relevance to Development in Zuarungu Traditional Area." He explained that in addition to giving thanks to God and their ancestors for a fruitful farming season, Ndaakoya was also to rally sons and daughters of the area around to promote unity and stability, essential prerequisites to socio-economic development. Naba Ayamga said in addition, proceeds realised from contributions during the festival were utilized for the improvement of social services in the community.

He commended Government for providing the area with numerous development projects and cited the extension of electricity, establishment of a police station, provision of a health centre, construction of a bridge and primary school at Zuarungu-Moshie, and re-establishment of Zuarungu Senior High School with boarding facilities. Naba Ayamga acknowledged the immense contributions to the development of the traditional area by managements of Rotary Club, Action Aid Ghana, CENSUDI, Single Mothers Association and other NGO's.

Vice President Mahama later addressed an NPP rally at Bolgatanga Jubilee Park and introduced Dr Bawumia to the crowd. He said Government believed in the promotion of education as a tool for poverty reduction and this had been demonstrated in the upgrading and expansion of facilities at Bolgatanga, Bawku, Navrongo and Zebilla Senior High Schools.

Vice President Mahama urged the electorate in the Region to vote massively for the NPP on December 7, to enable the next government continued with the area's developmental agenda. Mr Alhassan Samari, Upper East Regional Minister, urged supporters of the Party to be tolerant even in the face of provocation from their political opponents.

"Our concern should be a violence-free election and a resounding victory for the NPP, "he stressed. Vice President Mahama and his entourage paid a courtesy call on Bolga-Naba, Martin Abilba III, who expressed appreciation for the visit.