CPP to boost agricultural production in Mion

Accra, Aug.20, GNA - The Convention Peoples Party (CPP), has assured the over 36,000 eligible voters in the Mion Constituency, of the Northern Region, that the Party would initiate sustainable measures to boost agricultural production which is the major preoccupation of the people.

Mr Ibrahim Alabira, former Member of Parliament for the Constituency, who has launched a re-election bid, had also pledged his commitment to the provision of water, educational facilities and other amenities to raise the standards of living of constituents. He told the Ghana News Agency, in an interview in Accra on Friday that his campaign tour of over 40 communities in the Constituency, had revealed the need to step up the economic empowering of the people to accelerate development.

He stressed the need for a national campaign against the looming global threat of Genetically Modified (GM) food products on agricultural production.

"The innocent and unsuspecting farmers are ready to accept any form of agricultural package they receive abroad, without knowing the long term effect on productivity."

Mr Alabira said GM seeds contained pollutants that are capable of sterilising the country's seeds stock and compel farmers to rely solely on imported ones.

He promised to lead an active campaign to educate farmers on the side effects of GM foods, when he gets the nod as MP in the forthcoming elections.

" The issue of GM food products should not be taken up by Governments alone."

Mr Alabira expressed happiness that political activists in the in the Yendi District were focussing on issues.

He said the Yendi Chieftaincy crisis that undermined peace and stability in his constituency and the Region had not clouded the political campaigns although it remained a major security problem. He mentioned the Kusheli community where the people were rather interested in the posting of teachers to the farming community to facilitate agricultural pursuit.

The aspiring MP hailed the lifting of the state of emergency in Yendi and Tamale and called on the Government to identify and punish those behind the murder of Yana Abdulai Andani II and a number of his sub chiefs to promote lasting peace.

Mr Alabira expressed confidence in reclaiming the parliamentary seat to continue with development projects he started when he was MP between 1997-2000.

"I am not prepared to throw away resources. I must win and I believe my chances are very bright," he said with confidence." Mr Alabira said his immediate priority, as MP would be how to facilitate the process of reconciliation in the Constituency to ensure the socio-economic development of the predominantly farming area.

"I am abreast with development issues in Mion which lacked potable water; had poor roads, inadequate school infrastructure, poor health and agricultural facilities and I have the track record and experience in handling these matters."