Wa, Aug 16, GNA - The Most Rev Paul Bemile, Bishop of the Wa Catholic Diocese, has appealed to people of the Upper West Region to exercise restraint and allow Alhaji Issahaku Salia, the new Regional Minister, to focus his attention on the development of the Region rather than solving conflicts.

He said the frequent removal of Regional Ministers was militating against progress of the Region and urged the youth especially political activists to think first about the region's development and allow peace to prevail.

The Bishop said this when the Minister called on him at his residence.

He said he had been a Bishop in the region for 15 years and Alhaji Salia was the ninth person to occupy the position. 93This is certainly not good for the development that we all want for the region."

He expressed the hope that God would give the Minister wisdom, courage and the desire to work to bring about a better socio-economic transformation in the lives of the people of the region.

"God will create a favourable working environment for you to work and unite the people. He will guide and protect you to stay longer in office to implement government's policies and programmes to develop the region."

Most Rev Bamile pledged his commitment to have a fruitful working relationship with the Minister saying 93my doors are open for you to come anytime the need arises".

Alhaji Salia thanked the Bishop for his long term service to humanity, adding that his wisdom, knowledge and practice of good moral values had become a shining example in the lives of many people both young and old.

He also commended him for working to promote religious tolerance in the region which, he said, had contributed in bringing about peace in the region.

Alhaji Salia said what both politicians and religious leaders wanted was meaningful development for their people and pledged to have a fruitful working relationship with them to promote peace, unity and development for all.