Traditional Ruler in Northern Region hails government development agenda

Dinde (N/R,) May 31, GNA - A traditional ruler in Dinde in the Dinde Traditional Area in the Brunkrugu/Yunyo District has commended the NPP government for initiating "self-relieving" development programmes to reduce the plight of Ghanaians, especially the rural poor. He mentioned the intervention of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NIHS), the School Feeding Programme and the Capitation Grant, which, he said, were positive measures that would impact positively on the lives of Ghanaians to improve their economic and health status. Pip-Rana Kolgu Bansua II, paramount chief of Dinde gave the commendation on Wednesday at Dinde when Mr. Steven Asamoah-Boateng, Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment (MLGRDE) paid a courtesy call on him.

Mr. Asamoah-Boateng's visit to the district forms part of his five-day official tour to the Northern Region to inspect and observe how development was going on in the rural areas. The Minister is also using the visit to interact with Assembly Members and staff of the various Assemblies where he preached messages of unity to enhance development in the communities. Pip-Rana Bansua II, said, "The NHIS, the Capitation Grant and the School Feeding Programme were laudable interventions by the government aimed at reducing the daily frustration of the poor and the vulnerable in the country".

He however, advised the government to improve upon facilities at the health centres, particularly those in the rural areas to ensure that health personnel accepted posting there so that the NHIS cardholders would be able to benefit fully from the scheme. The chief expressed worry about the unmotorable nature of the roads in the newly created Bunkruku/Yonyo District and called for immediate measures to address all the problems including communication and lack of electricity to befit its status as a District. Mr. Boateng said the NPP government was development oriented and would do everything possible to improve upon the economic conditions of Ghanaians particularly the rural folks.

"Something would surely be done about the entire road network in all Districts of the Northern Region", he said. He said patience was needed for the government to deliberate with development partners and local stakeholders to ensure that all sectors of the country benefited from the national cake. Earlier, the Minister met Assembly Members in the area where the members openly expressed their frustration about the lack of motivation and encouragement in the discharge of their duties and appealed for a permanent salary structure for Assembly Members. He also inspected projects being undertaken by the Assembly.