Minister calls for end to conflict to ensure development

Nyankpala (N/R), March 1, GNA - The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Boniface Abubakar Saddique has said that the North would remain poor and under-developed if the people persistently engaged in conflict. He said it was disheartening to see Northerners divided on political and chieftaincy lines and allowing themselves to be manipulated by politicians who used what they gained from such manipulation to cause mayhem in the communities. The Minister said: "This situation has impacted negatively on the development of the North and I urge the youth to rise up and say no to those intruders who are taking advantage of the ignorance of the people".

Alhaji Saddique was speaking at a meeting with students of the University for Development Studies (UDS) at Nyankpala on Monday to formally introduce himself to them and explore their problems. He said: "Time has come for us to see the need to say no to conflict and unite to bring development to the Region". The Minister exposed the uphill task facing his administration and invited the youth, especially students to partner with him to bring unity and enduring peace to the people. "Without peace, all government's efforts at fighting illiteracy and poverty, as well as attracting investors to the North will be in vain," he said.

Alhaji Saddique urged the students to bring their skills and knowledge to bear on the work of the district assemblies while they were on holidays. The students urged the Members of Parliament from the three Northern regions to come together to help develop the UDS and called on the government to provide them with potable water.