Lawra (UWR), Nov.29; GNA- Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, at the weekend asked Northerners to pay keen interest in the Northern Development Fund (NDF), established by government to facilitate the holistic development agenda of the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions.

"This is the time for us to come together and contribute our ideas towards the management of the fund and the Authority that will be established to contribute to the reduction of poverty and the creation of opportunities for the social well-being of people in this part of the country."

Alhaji Mahama made the request when he addressed the 40th anniversary celebration of Lawra Senior High School, on the theme: "Lawra Senior High School @ 40, Championing Academic Excellence in the 21st Century, Prospects and challenges," in the Upper West Region. The 25 million-dollar fund would offer the donor community the opportunity to contribute towards the accelerated development of the three regions.

Touching on the December 7 general election, he expressed the need for Ghanaians to exercise their franchise in peace, stressing that peace is priceless and cannot be sacrificed on the altar of partisan politics. "Some parts of the North have gone through the trauma of violence during which precious lives were needlessly lost and hard won property destroyed. You should not allow yourselves to be used by unscrupulous people to advance their selfish agenda.

"Do not allow yourselves to be used in anyway by any person or group of persons before, during or after the election to disturb the peace and stability."

Alhaji Mahama advised the students to avoid the use of drugs and other undesirable habits to dissipate their energies and distract them from their studies.

Mr George Hikah Benson, Regional Minister also expressed the need for the citizenry to sustain the peace and stability of the country during the presidential and parliamentary elections. Mr Felix Anzunaa, Headmaster said the school lacked teachers to handle core subjects like English and science. As part of the anniversary, the Vice President unveiled the bust of the first Headmaster of the school, Alhaji Rahimu Gbadamosi and inaugurated a two-storey classroom block, which is part of the projects being undertaken by government at the cost of 2.6 million Ghana cedis to transform the academic institution into a model school.

Alhaji Mahama, who is on a three-day official tour of the region interacted with imams and some community opinion leaders in Wa, where he advised them not to allow themselves to be influenced by anyone to undermine the smooth conduct of the December 7 elections. 29 Nov. 08