Youth urged to take up agriculture

Sirigu (U/E), Jan. 11, GNA - The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Mark Woyongo, has appealed to the youth in the region to go into agriculture because it has good a potential in the region. He said the region has several dams and dugouts which the youth could take advantage of and go into dry-season farming, livestock business and fishing.

Mr. Woyongo said this when he addressed chiefs and people during the week long celebration of the Sirigu Youth Association (SIYA) at Sirigu. The Minister said government was to establish a Sheanut Development Board that would facilitate the marketing of sheanut and related crops. A spokesman for the Sirigu Chief, Mr. Anyoka Akawra, called on government to extend teachers' bungalows, electricity, student hostels, and good drinking water to the area.

Mr. Akawra suggested that in order to reduce poverty in the three northern regions of the country, dams should be constructed in the communities to facilitate dry season farming. Member of Parliament for the area, Mr. Leo Kaba, appealed to the youth to be more proactive in issues related to self development. He donated 500 Ghana cedis to support the association in its development programmes.

President of the Association, Mr. Hermas Azanoore, called on traditional leaders to re-instil moral values into the youth. He said promoting peace, participation in communal labour for development projects and enhancing academic performance of the youth are the main objectives of the association.