Bawku(UER), April 24, GNA - Members of Bawku Municipal Assembly on Friday confirmed Mr Musah Abdulai as Bawku Municipal Chief Executive while members of Garu-Tempane Assembly confirmed Mr David Adakudugu as Garu-Tempane District Chief Executive. Each had more than 95 per cent of the votes cast and were sworn into office by Mr Mark Woyongo, Upper East Regional Minister. He advised the assembly members to bury their differences and support their chief executives to work hard to develop their communities.

Mr Woyongo pointed out that the people were not interested in partisan politics but improvement in their living standards adequate food, good and reliable shelter, education, health services and better conditions of life. He advised them to be accommodating and show concern for the people.

Mr Woyongo called on the two chief executives to work together and lead their people to find a lasting solution to the conflict in the area. "We count on you to help bring lasting peace," he added. He noted that the peaceful celebration of the 'Samanpiid' Festival was a good indication that lasting peace in Bawku was not far away and advised the assembly members to form a joint committee of both Kusasis and Mamprusis to decide on a day appropriate to lift the curfew in the area. Mr Woyongo said Government had instituted measures to improve agriculture desilt dams and provide agricultural inputs to farmers at subsidised prices and the sheanut industry would be improved. Mr Abdulai, Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, said the search for lasting peace would be a top priority, since there was still much left to be done.

"Until those of us who are sons and daughters of this area commit ourselves and energies to the search for peace and those in leadership positions garner all our human resources, knowledge and wisdom to partner in this crusade for peace, we cannot develop as we should," he added.

He said other issues to be addressed were, poverty, education, health and agriculture. Mr Abdulai assured the assembly that he would work with honesty and dedication and asked the people not to hesitate to give constructive criticism and suggestions that would enhance the assembly's work. Mr Adakudugu, Garu-Tempanae District Chief Executive pledged to run an open and accountable administration and urged the assembly members and the people to help him bring development to the area. He said the assembly would focus on good governance, women empowerment and give credit facilities to those prepared to work.