Joseph Nelson assures deprived communities of development projects

Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson has assured the people of Western Region of government's commitment to roll out programmes and projects necessary to deal with challenges facing deprived communities.

He said the desire of the government to reset the country, would focus primarily on challenges facing the people of Ghana including these deprived communities.

Addressing the chiefs and people of Zongo communities in the Western Region who paid a courtesy call on him at Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) on Monday 3rd March 2025, Joseph Nelson said the government would implement the manifesto pledges made by National Democratic Congress (NDC) to deprived communities including Zongo areas in the region.

According to him, following his assumption of office, President John Dramani Mahama made sure he quickly fulfilled some of the critical campaign promises made during the electioneering period including offering the Muslim community in Ghana reduction of Hajj fares this year and an additional holiday during Eid festivities.

Aside that, he said the NDC administration, led by President John Dramani Mahama would improve the standard of Islamic education to deliver quality Arabic teaching and learning in the country.

Aside that, he said he would work closely with deprived communities in the region to improve their welfare and well-being.

He lauded the Muslim communities in Western Region for dedicating the month of Ramadan to fast, supplicate and intercede prayerfully on behalf of the country and appointees of the current administration

Joseph Nelson called for peace and stability in the region while showering praises on the Zongo chiefs for joining the crusade against violence before, during and after the 2024 general elections.

He described peace and stability, as the core elements of development and the cornerstone to attract investment into the region.

Consequently, he appealed to traditional rulers to make peace a priority and the building block for growth in the region.

The Representative of the Zongo Chiefs, Alhaji Kamaldeen who read a speech on behalf of the chiefs said they were at the Regional Coordinating Council to thank the Minister for visiting them at Sekondi to thank them.

He said the chiefs in the Zongo communities have identified poor roadworks, infrastructure, poverty and lack of employment opportunities as the major challenges confronting deprived communities in the country including Zongo areas.

He, on behalf of the group therefore asked the Minister to use his good office to address these challenges mentioned above.

In response, the Minister indicated that he is aware of some of these challenges and would collaborate effectively with stakeholders to tackle them.

Those that fall within his domain, he said would be handled and those that ought to be tackled by central government, he said would be pushed grudgingly for President John Mahama to address them amicably as and when necessary.