Opinion leaders and youth of Nakpanduri, Bimbagu, Nasuan and its environs at the weekend, appealed to President Evans Atta Mills to consider creating a new district for the Nakpanduri area.

The request was made at a press conference held in Nakpanduri in the Bunkpurugu Yunyoo District, that was attended by chiefs and elders and more than 500 youth.

The Bunkpurugo Yunyoo District is the third largest settlement in the Northern Region after Tamale and Yendi districts, with administrative jurisdiction carried outin Bunkpurugu, 22 miles away from Nakpanduri.

Bagri Dana Jedan Tuanti, chief of Bimbagu, said the creation of a new district would accelerate development of the area.

Mr Konlan Amadu Timothy, who read a statement on behalf of the opinion leaders and youth, said because the area was vast and sparsely populated, administrative work was difficult and ineffective, slowing down the pace of development.

He proposed that the new district should be called Nankpanduri/Nasuan District.

According to Mr Amadu, the 2010 census estimated the population of the area including Nakpanduri, Bimbagu and Nasuan to be 119,736, representing 49.98 of the population of Bunkpurugo Yunyoo District, with a voter population of 20,362 based on the 2008 voters’ register.

Naa Kansuk David Moigbarin, chief of Nakpanduri, called on the people particularly the youth of the Upper West, Upper East and Northern Regions to contribute to the development of the areas.

He gave the assurance that the chiefs and people would support Government to develop the three northern regions.

Mr Peter Dubik, who also spoke on behalf of the youth, called on Government to improve the only Business Senior High School in the area that has been neglected.**