Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, the Upper West Region Minister, has stated that the one pattern system of rainfall posed a challenge to food production in the region.
He said despite the region’s endowment with arable land suitable for the production of various food crops, many farmers were unable to produce more to feed the nation and for export due to the rainfall pattern experienced in the region.
Alhaji Sulemana made this known when he addressed the opening of the Regional Ministers’ Conference in Wa on Wednesday.
He also bemoaned the deplorable nature of roads in the region, especially during this rainy season that had affected the movement of people, goods and services.
He expressed happiness that the Region was doing well in the provision of potable water and electricity to rural people as well as health facilities but was faced with shortage of critical medical personnel to man the facilities.
On street naming, Alhaji Sulemana said municipal and district assemblies in the region had done 70 percent of the work and gave the assurance that the remaining work would be completed soon.
Kuoru Richard Babini Kanton, Paramount Chief of the Tumu Traditional Area who chaired the conference, said traditional authorities understood the challenges of the government and assured of their support to overcome all impediments.
He called on government appointees and the entire citizenry to collectively work hard to grow the economy.
The conference would create a platform for the regional ministers and other stakeholders to brainstorm on some relevant government policies and programmes as well as tropical issues affecting the economy and the wellbeing of the people.