A cassava processing plant will be constructed at Diare, a Sugarcane factory at Kadia and a tomato processing factory at Nabogu.

[contextly_sidebar id=”U03gKQ0PjQf1G8kNerkIqov9pPqHhhBw”]These initiatives are intended to improve the earnings of smallholder farmers and also to create jobs for the unemployed masses.

One of the shortlisted companies, PT&T Ghana Limited has been given the license to establish the cassava processing factory on site.

The Chief Executive Officer of PT&T Ghana Ltd, Prince Mohammed Toufik Tikomah, at a media briefing, promised to complete the factory on schedule.

According to him, smallholder farmers would be supported with stimulus packages and farm inputs including subsidized fertilizer to improve their yields.

He gave the assurance that the support would be regular in order to enable the farmers to meet the estimated targets for the factory’s sustainability.

“The company will buy the cassava products from farmers in the area and each farmer will subsequently be given a bank account where their monies will be deposited,” he said

Prince Toufik Tikumah added that “The health conditions of the farmers will be taken care of. Farmers who will be employed in the company will enjoy periodic screening to ensure that they are healthy.”

The Savelugu-Nanton Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hajia Ayishetu Seidu, noted that the government is investing GHc9 million in the cassava processing factory.

She stated that ‘the factory will help increase the income of hardworking farmers and create employment for the  youth which is expected to reduce the high rate of urban-rural migration in the area.”

She said her administration will closely monitor and coordinate the factory’s operations to ensure its success.

Traditional leaders in the district promised to allocate grazing sites for the herds of nomadic herdsmen prevent the destruction of farmlands.

Smallholder farmers in the municipality thanked the government for the opportunity and vowed to take advantage of it to improve their livelihood.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo gave assurances during his campaign, which he reiterated last year, that each of the 216 districts across the country would get a factory during his administration.

According to him, the setting up of these factories across the country, will not only ensure the rapid industrialization of Ghana’s economy but also, result in the creation of thousands of jobs, needed by the masses of unemployed Ghanaian youth.

Each district to get Ghc2m for 1 district, 1 factory
The Ministry of Finance while reading the 2018 budget statement said the government will allocate at least GhC2 million to each metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies for the implementation of the one district, one factory programme.

During the presentation of the 2018 budget statement, the Minister said that 191 companies had already been selected for implementation

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The Savelugu/Nanton Municipal Director of Education, Alhassan Tahiru, who revealed this at an annual accountability forum at Savelugu on Friday, also stated that four pupils shared one textbook at the Junior High Schools in the Municipality.

[contextly_sidebar id=”lQ8nnfDhIoiczCFxpqIeODuxcugG6b7M”]The forum was to strengthen accountability and transparency in the utilization of public resources at the local level through active citizen participation to enhance quality service delivery and development.

It was organized by the Ghana Anti-corruption Coalition in collaboration with the Open Society Initiative for West Africa and coordinated by the Savannah Integrity Rural Development Aid (SIRDA).

It brought together staff of the Municipality and some of the residents to discuss programmes of the Municipality and issues affecting the residents in terms of how the resources of the Municipality were being utilized.

Mr Tahiru said the situation would be even worse in the next academic year as most of the textbooks were not in good shape.

He said the last time the Municipality received textbooks was in 2013, adding that the inadequate supply of textbooks to schools in the Municipality was responsible for poor performance of candidates at the Basic Education Certificate Examinations over the years.

He, therefore, appealed to the government to supply especially core subject textbooks to schools in the Municipality to improve education delivery in the area.

Some of the residents, who took part in the forum, complained of poor health care services offered them at the Savelugu Government Hospital urging the Municipal Authority to take action to improve the situation.

Others also expressed concerns about the poor road network and educational infrastructure in the Municipality.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Savelugu/Nanton, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu, assured residents that her office was making efforts to address their concerns.

Hajia Seidu said the Municipality needed a lot more resources to undertake projects to bring relief to the people appealing to all to honour their civic responsibilities by paying rates to the assembly to increase it’s internally generated funds base.

The Executive Director of SIRDA, Hajia Alimah Sagito Saeed, urged residents to follow laid-down structures at the Municipality to seek information on issues such as the Assembly’s projects to promote accountability.

–

Source: GNA

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The Police, upon a tip-off, impounded the vehicle carrying six pump action guns and 130 cartridges.

[contextly_sidebar id=”WZOzr1KJTSgzoWJQKzozBnOFCa5t2EF3″]The suspects will be transferred to the Northern Regional Police Command for further investigations.

A source close to the Northern Regional Security Council revealed to Citi News that the suspects had targeted heightening the tension in the area ahead of the creation of the new Yunyoo district.

Recently, there were reported sporadic gunshots in the constituency believed to have been related to the location of the capital of the yet-to-be-created Yunyoo district.

Whilst some residents there have proposed Yunyoo as the capital, others prefer Namong, one of the densely-populated Konkomba communities.

Some chiefs, in collaboration with the Konkomba Students Union recently renewed calls for Namong to be named the district capital.

They said their demand was non-negotiable and also served notice that they will resist any attempt to ignore their proposal.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during his “Thank You” tour of the Northern Region announced the upgrading of six districts in the Northern Region.

He also revealed government’s intention to separate Yunyoo from the current Bunkprugu-Yunyoo district and also Nantong from the Savelugu-Nantong district.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Six arrested for attempting to smuggle weapons into Yunyoo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The NPP youth through several demonstrations kicked against Hajia Ayishetu Seidu’s nomination and her subsequent confirmation.

[contextly_sidebar id=”J2nyS2oorf5mUMeloB2DniVqHk3QjWD7″]They have however backed down on their protest, and have thus apologized to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo.

This followed a government mediation team led by a Minister of State at the Presidency in charge of National Security, Bryan Acheampong’s ability to solve the political deadlock there.

The Savelugu constituency NPP Communications Director, Abubakari Sadiq Sulemana, at a news conference said, “We apologize to the President for protest and demonstrations for several weeks though we believed our message was important. We now concede our approach was wrong.”

“Our commitment to the Akufo Addo government is still intact and unwavering. We will continue to work with all stakeholders in the governance process to ensure the success of this government.”

Abubakari Sadiq stressed that, “We want to assure the President, vice President and the party leadership that we will not do anything to derail the efforts of government to make Ghana a safe haven for investors.”

“As stakeholders in the Municipality, we want to state that we will harmoniously work with Hajia Ayishetu Seidu as the MCE for Savelugu/Nantong to ensure that the vision of the President and the program of government is implemented for the benefit of the people of Savelugu/Nantong.”

Northern Regional Minister

The Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed commended the youth and the party’s bigwigs in the two constituencies for reasoning with the President’s plea.

As Chairman of the Northern Regional Security Council (RECSEC), he encouraged the MCE, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu to strengthen her relationship with the residents.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Savelugu NPP youth apologize to Nana Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

On Monday, President Akufo Addo charged the Police to arrest his party members, who have prevented the MCE from working, since her confirmation by Assembly members.

[contextly_sidebar id=”UyNugT0m0wyQwMq3yuc5dDPQ4bvGBhqc”]They insist Madam Ayishetu must be removed at all cost, claiming she’s an alien to the party in the area.

Welcoming the President’s call, the Northern Regional Police PRO, ASP Muhammed Tanko, said they are already on standby to deal with the trouble makers.

“The President’s order was in the right direction but as a Police institution, we need not wait for the President to call upon us before we do the right thing. We have to take decisions that will ensure that there is security and peace in the system, and that is exactly what we set out to do and you remember last Thursday when we went there, we used reasonable force on them and our objective was achieved and since then the message has been sent to them…They have not gathered to do what they did in the past so I think we are on course.”

Background

The Savelugu-Nantong Municipal Chief Executive, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu, has been under siege since her confirmation. Her challengers have vowed to resist any attempt to allow her work in the office . They have also served notice to fiercely resist any forceful imposition.

They have warned that the NPP risks losing the Savelugu seat in the 2020 polls if Hajia Ayishetu Seidu is not replaced. Hajia Ayishetu Seidu was finally inducted into office under heavy security.

A joint task-force from the Regional Security Council and the Municipal Security Committee, escorted her to office, but the protesters defied the security escort and locked up the main entrance to the Savelugu/Nantong Municipal Assembly complex.

The armed security personnel dispatched there fired warning shots and brought the situation under control.

The situation has since created uneasy calm in the Savelugu township where the protesters have so far organized three peaceful demonstrations against the MCE’s nomination and subsequent confirmation.

Savelugu MP condemns standoff

The Savelugu constituency Member of Parliament, Hon. Abdul Samed Gunu, however, insists that diplomacy is the panacea to the problems there.

He is afraid of losing the seat at the 2020 polls which the NPP won for the first time in 2016 if his constituents are oppressed.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @EfeAnsah

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Speaking on Eyewitness News, Mr. Kyei Baffour suggested that “the party will have to step in to call those party members to order because “we cannot live in such an anarchic situation.”

[contextly_sidebar id=”YMGqbmpq25gFedkoCiCdl4DIjVZRWOKk”]The anarchy Mr. Kyei Baffour is referring to are the protests by some NPP youth and some constituency executives against the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Savelugu/Nantong Municipal Assembly.

The MCE, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu’s short tenure has been marred by protests from the irate youth who have been trying to prevent her from gaining access to her office, going as far as locking it up and clashing with Police.

Mr. Kyei Baffour has suggested that, the President must not “kowtow to such unnecessary harassment” from the protesters, but he did add that the angry youth would be more inclined to listen to NPP national executives.

“The party and national and level will have to step in and call those party people to order, do a discussion with them for them to understand the mechanism for nominations and the confirmation and the appointments if MMDCEs.”

“Let the national party Chairman and the General Secretary and other top brass of the party also make an interaction because they are the ultimate. Party people will relate very well with their General Secretary and their National Organizer better than somebody from the Presidency. “

Despite the calls for the NPP to intervene, the President himself has spoken on the political tensions in Savelugu and described the protests as unacceptable, and has thus asked the police to bring such law breakers to book.

The protesters contend that, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu, is an alien and not a registered voter in the constituency, thus they want her replaced.

However, speaking during the swearing-in of Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo on Monday, President Akufo-Addo urged “the police to do all in their power to bring to book all who fall foul of the law,” with respect to the protests in Savelugu.

As the president spoke, there was a delegation from the Presidency in the Savelugu township, led by a Minister of State at the Presidency, Bryan Acheampong, to mediate the political impasse. The youth however rejected such pleas and reiterated their complaints against the MCE.

Protesters will soften stance

Meanwhile, the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama, believes most of the irate NPP youth will eventually come around to support the MCE.

Also speaking on Eyewitness News, Hajia Mahama said: “there are a few people who are not supporting her [Hajia Ayishetu Seidu], but I believe that with time, they will also come online and they will support her.”

In the meantime, Hajia Mahama acknowledged that, the President had spoken authoritatively on the matter and assured that the law will stand firm in Savelugu.

She said the police were “taking charge and watching and assessing the situation” and that “they will arrest anybody who tries to engage in any misdeeds in the area.”

“She [Hajia Ayishetu Seidu] will wake up like every other person who goes to work and go to her office and work, and if anybody tries to prevent her, the law will take its full course,” the Minister added.

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post NPP executives must intervene in Savelugu impasse – Kyei Baffour appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Speaking during the swearing-in of Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo on Monday, the President urged “the police to do all in their power to bring to book all who fall foul of the law.”

[contextly_sidebar id=”sHS5fOcIJjaeI6l0fSJfONnRZAfYtxs4″]The President made the comment while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the rule of law and due process, amidst the political tension in Savelugu.

The protesting NPP members have been barricading the MCE’s office in a series of protests that have escalated into standoffs with Police.

The protesters have warned that, the NPP risks losing the Savelugu/Nantong municipality during the 2020 elections, if Hajia Ayishetu Seidu is not replaced.

Describing the act as “unacceptable”, the President warned persons that “perpetrating acts of lawlessness in the name of being members of the ruling party” that “they will find no shield in my government, from the law.”

“When you fall foul of the law, you must be dealt with accordingly, and the law enforcement agencies including the judiciary must ensure that this is done,” the President added.

Beyond Savelugu, the Akufo-Addo Administration has been heavily criticized for enabling acts of lawlessness by its perceived inaction after widespread instances of post-election violence by groups aligned to the party.

The most notable of these involved the Kumasi-based Delta Force, which infamously gained prominence after raiding the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and assaulting its coordinator. After arrests on the matter, Delta Force members who were arraigned, escaped from court custody after some of their members sparked confusion during a hearing.

Laws will be enforced without fear or favour

These developments notwithstanding, President Akufo-Addo insisted that persons who perpetrate acts of lawlessness “will find no shield in my government from the law.”

“My government will not shield anyone found to have broken the laws of this country. Application of the laws of the land must occur, in the words of the judicial oath; without fear or favour, affection or ill will and therefore, without recourse to the political, religious or ethnic affiliations of any citizen of the land”

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Bring Savelugu protesters to book – Nana Addo to police appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

A delegation from the Presidency today (Monday) visited the troubled Savelugu township to mediate the political standoff between some angry NPP supporters and the Municipal Executive (MCE), Hajia Ayishetu Seidu.

[contextly_sidebar id=”vuxWsJ7c91mB1mDoyYKXpQcbsS78HT6l”]A Minister of State at the Presidency, Bryan Acheampong led the delegation which involved the Member of Parliament for Savelugu constituency, Hon. Abdul Samed Gunu.

He expressed the President’s dissatisfaction with the political stalemate there, hence the delegation’s visit.

Mr. Acheampong thereby pleaded with the protesters to back down on their incessant demonstrations and team up with the MCE to deliver her mandate.

He reassured the youth of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s promise to offer them lucrative jobs.

The protesters remained defiant and pleaded with President Akufo-Addo to address their concerns.

They renewed calls for Hajia Ayishetu Seidu’s replacement against the backdrop that she is alien in the Savelugu constituency.

Background

The Savelugu-Nantong Municipal Chief Executive, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu has been under siege since her confirmation.

Her challengers have vowed to resist any attempt to allow her work in the office and further served notice that any forceful imposition will be fiercely resisted.

They predicted that the NPP risks losing the Savelugu seat in the 2020 polls if Hajia Ayishetu Seidu is not replaced.

The MCE’s security escort

Hajia Ayishetu Seidu was finally inducted into office under heavy security. A joint task force from the Regional Security Council and the Municipal Security Committee escorted her to her office.

The protesters defied the security escort and went ahead and locked up the main entrance to the Savelugu/Nantong Municipal Assembly complex.

The armed security personnel dispatched there fired warning shots and brought the situation under control.

The situation has since created uneasy calm in the Savelugu Township where the protesters have so far organized three peaceful demonstrations against the MCE’s nomination and subsequent confirmation.

Savelugu MP condemns standoff

The Savelugu constituency Member of Parliament, Hon. Abdul Samed Gunu, however, insists that diplomacy is the panacea to the problems there.

He is afraid of losing the seat at the 2020 polls which the NPP won for the first time in 2016 if his constituents are oppressed.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Savelugu NPP protesters defy Nana Addo’s plea for calm appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

One of the protesters’ main concerns is that, the MCE, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu, is not a registered voter in the constituency. But commenting on the development for the first time, President Akufo-Addo described the protests as “obviously unacceptable.”

[contextly_sidebar id=”CPna0l2Dgor3bsMso2DtQG3505P7HcCw”]Speaking during the swearing-in of Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo on Monday, he urged “the police to do all in their power to bring to book all who fall foul of the law. We cannot have developments which will bring jobs to our youth without order.”

The President’s remarks on Savelugu came as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rule of law and due process, amidst the political tension in Savelugu.

The protesting NPP members have been barricading the MCE’s office in a series of protests that have escalated into standoffs with Police.

The protesters have warned that the NPP risks losing the Savelugu and the Nantong constituencies during the 2020 elections if Hajia Ayishetu Seidu is not replaced.

Beyond Savelugu, the Akufo-Addo Administration has been heavily criticized for enabling acts of lawlessness by its perceived inaction after widespread instances of post-election violence by groups aligned to the party.

The most notable of these involved the Kumasi-based Delta Force, which infamously gained prominence after raiding the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and assaulting its coordinator. After arrests on the matter, Delta Force members who were arraigned, escaped from court custody after some of their members sparked confusion during a hearing.

Laws will be enforced without fear or favour

These developments notwithstanding, President Akufo-Addo insisted that persons who perpetrate acts of lawlessness “will find no shield in my government from the law.”

“My government will not shield anyone found to have broken the laws of this country. Application of the laws of the land must occur, in the words of the judicial oath; without fear or favour, affection or ill will and therefore, without recourse to the political, religious or ethnic affiliations of any citizen of the land.”

“When you fall foul of the law, you must be dealt with accordingly and the law enforcement agencies, including the judiciary, must ensure this is done,” President Akufo-Addo assured.

–

By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Protests against Savelugu MCE unacceptable – Nana Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

A group calling itself Concerned Citizens of Savelugu/Nantong Municipality at a news conference today (Friday), called the bluff of Hajia Ayishetu Seidu’s detractors.

[contextly_sidebar id=”fasZ6Jg2xaB2tr7AYUSoq9GAfYspTkPH”]The group’s Spokesperson, who doubles as the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nantong constituency Communications Director, A.A Latif, described Hajia Ayishetu Seidu as the best MCE to transform the Savelugu/Nantong municipality.

According to him, the MCE’s detractors are ignorant of her competence required for the area’s socio-economic transformation.

He thus advised Hajia Ayishetu Seidu’s protesters to ceasefire on their series of demonstrations against her and rather support her to deliver her mandate, since she has gained the legitimate confirmation of the Assembly.

Below is the MCE defenders’ petition

PETITION BY CONCERNED CITIZENS OF SAVELUGU-NANTON MUNICIPALITY FOR THE RECOGNITION AND SUPPORT FOR THE CONFIRMED NOMINEE, HON. HAJIA AYISHETU SEIDU, AS THE MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF SAVELUGU-NANTON

Good morning, Ladies and gentlemen, and a very good day to everyone here gathered. We appreciate so much the time and resources expended to be here today, on the occasion of our presentation of a representative petition. Please hear us out, as we seek to straighten a path that seeks to lead us away from goodwill.

Everything that happens, does so for a good reason. In this country, laws, regulations and standard practice supercede individual interests. This is sacrosanct. The processes that lead to the nomination of a person, by the President of the land, is quite hectic, to begin with. It entails a lot of consultation from the local scene, to the regional authority, and through to the very seat of government, in this case, the Flagstaff House in Accra. As such, it is not without doubt that people will hold divergent views as to the processes that lead to the appointment of the eventual nominee, and hold shades of grudges too. We take cognisance of the fact that, His Excellency the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, did us the honour, did not exclude our municipality from the roll, and nominated for us one of our own, a mother and a servant of the people, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu. We would like to reiterate that, we acknowledge the time and deeper processes that went into the selection of nominees this year, and we are grateful to the appointing authority.

Ladies and Gentlemen, having received the mention of Hajia Ayishetu Seidu’s name, the Savelugu-Nanton Municipal Assembly convened to affirm or reject the President’s nominee, as by law enshrined. After what could aptly be referred to as a dramatic turn of events, and by the grace of the one true God, the President’s nominee was given the nod to assume her place as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Savelugu by 50 out of 64 (78%). We would like to place emphasis here that, it was not a position gifted to her, as some people have thrown such contortions about. She, and a formidable team behind her, fought to assume the office. As natives and residents of Savelugu, let us please give recognition to this fact, and help her build for us the community we have envisaged over the past years since the attainment of our status as a district, and through to being a municipality.The President proposed her but we did the  confirmation! Thus, we agreed to work with her! It will be therefore unfair to make a u-turn at this point especially without following the due process. The Honourable Hajia Ayishetu Seidu was duly confirmed by our own representatives, the elected men and women of the Assembly, and therefore, per the democratic order of practice, is the legitimate representative of the central government here. We do not believe that this can be contested anywhere feasibly.

As ordinary members of both the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and most importantly this local government area, we have committed to make it known that, the needless dragging of matters would not affect the person and personality of the confirmed Honourable MCE, but the entirety of the municipality. Under usual circumstances, one must expect opposition to whatever concerns the multitude. It is absolutely normal to have some, from within the collective, who will commit time and resources oppose cogent ideas and one’s rise to grace. The only time when this becomes needless is when such opposition goes to affect the grassroot supporters and sympathisers of the general cause, and the catchment area as a whole. To wit, the existence of factions, battling it out, covertly, publicly, and rather painfully, has no effect on the perpetrators of this factionalism that seeks to destroy rather than build. It is we, the ordinary participants in the affairs of the government and the municipality, who suffer the undue delay in the start of serious governance here at the local level. Lest we forget, these happenings can cause apathy and disaffection for the party and government, coming from core NPP members and the public at large.

Besides, and much more importantly, this municipal area is bedevilled with huge developmental challenges that seek to erode the few gains made over the past years. There are issues of sanitation, basic infrastructure, youth unemployment, fallen levels of education, and many other issues that would exhaust mention if care is not taken. Rather than concentrate our efforts at denigrating and hounding the people’s choice, and making it difficult for the machinery of government to assume full operational capacity here in Savelugu-Nanton, we could be well jump into full gear, helping the government of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo realise the hopes and aspirations of our people, and working assiduously with the collective interest in mind.

We dare say that enough time has been expended doing the bidding of power brokers, perceived and real, and now is the time to come back on track. In other places, far worse misgivings and agitations cropped up in the course of the selection and confirmation of DCE and MCE nominees.Our next door neighbours, Sagnarigu district is an example worth mentioning.

The gravity of theirs was as high as the limit of the sky.But they displayed high sense of political maturity and democracy when they, including other people who did the DCE bidding ,came together to restore political sanity and peace resulting in the continuity of the developmental agenda of the district. However, so characteristic of people who really consider the development of their locality above all other personal interests and demands, they have found express ways of laying their individualities aside, and have teamed up to prosecute the set agenda of their collective wishes, and that of the central government.

Elsewhere, political party interests, though of considerable consideration, have paved way for them to work towards one goal – development. While some districts have begun implementing the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative with all seriousness, the case is different here. Even, less-endowed districts can ably point out their DCEs with pride, and begin to mention what efforts they have already put in place as in contributing to development.

Again, lets look at our closed villegers, Kumbungu. The DCE took delivery of fertilizers and other farm inputs on behalf of his district to prosecute the flagship program-Planting for foods and jobs. The people of Savelugu are known to be ahead of Kumbungu in all good aspects of life including education and democracy as we always to them . I am sad to state that today Kumbungu has now taken the lead democrtically.We are now a laughing stock! Can we do the same here, in this municipality that has all it takes to hit the road running with full vigour? We would like to plead with all indigenes and residents of Savelugu-Nanton, the dissenting groups within the NPP fraternity, and all well meaning partners to consider the development of Savelugu-Nanton as the only project of prime consideration, and merge forces to deepen our resolve to leave positive prints in this land that we all love.

Lest we forget, it is not unknown that the constituency within which we stand here today, is not a safe seat for the party in government today. Traditionally, the NPP as a party has not fared very well, electorally, in this place. Having been blessed with the taking of this constituency for the foremost time, one would expect that, as orphaned children given a place in a temporary shelter, we would work hard to broaden our support base, diversify our political activities positively, and increase the support tally that we have on target, so that we plant a foothold on this constituency. Rather than effectuate this agenda, infighting and unrewarding machinations have taken over our collective interests, and here we are today.

The many years spent in the political wilderness, in our consideration, should inform and remind us, very often, that it took a lot of time, energy, and commitment of costly resources before political power became ours to manage, by the grace of the Most High. We cannot afford to allow persons and factions within us to take us down that path again. Our actions and inactions will tell where we really want to be found, in the not-too-distant future.

Before anyone or any group from among us can do us any further harm, let us please give all the support to our honourable MCE, so that, as government’s lead representative here, and acting with communal and political party structures, we can retain this seat, make it ours, and own it. We would be able to project and realise the very reason why political parties exist – contest elections, win elections, control affairs – again and again, many times over. Honestly, the mother-figure in our MCE is such that, she can be very understanding and cooperative once we are a team and nothing else. And with the support of all, she will lead us to achieve all we ever wished for our fledgling municipality.

Respected people, all eyes are on the Savelugu municipality, in these times. If we are unaware of this, then we need to take heed, for the harm being done is ever increasing. The more we keep these disagreements going, the more we lose favour in the eyes of very respected stakeholders in this land: our revered chiefs who own the land, the clergy and ulamas who direct our paths. As we keep dissenting on the rightful assumption of Hon. Hajia Ayishetu Seidu to the high office of Municipal Chief Executive of Savelugu-Nanton, we loose favour in the eyes of our party hierarchy in the region, and ultimately His Excellency the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

This is not healthy for us at all. By our actions, we are telling the President that though we have confirmed the person he held extensive consultations to nominate for the municipality, we will not support her to work, and we will not allow her to work with the Assembly. We are only telling the people’s representatives, the Assemblymen and Assemblywomen, that, we do not respect them and the honour they have bestowed on Hon. Hajia Ayishetu Seidu, and that, they did not convey the broad expectations of their electorates.

We would only be sending wrong signals to the good people of our town that we cherish individual motives more than the development of the town. If care is not taken, and we actually inherit a page in the President’s blacklist, the stock of projects and programmes registered in the name of our dearest townships and environs of Savelugu and Nanton would all go to waste – others will eat up our grace and honour, while we lag far behind in the various development indices compiled from time to time on districts in Ghana.

Respectfully, we would like to call on the overlords of the land, the religious leadership, party executives and supporters, the northern regional minister, youth groups and all well-meaning stakeholders in Savelugu- Nanton to let us lay calm to peace and understanding, accept the confirmation of the honourable Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Hajia Ayishetu Seidu in good faith, and help her advance the development agenda of the municipality. We owe this to ourselves, and posterity will be the determiner.

The verdict of 2012 elections was a difficult one take but we took it in good faith. Although some members of our party didn’t agree with the then candidate Nana Addo, now our president, but we respected his decision. Is time to repeat that political and national patriotism in ourselves.

We all here respect your views and opinions but we felt they can be better resolved in a round table discussions.

We thank you for the audience. For progress and our forward march, and for accepting to be part of this new direction, may we all succeed.

Thank you!

——- SIGNED ——-

Alhassan Abdul Lateef

Communication Director (Nanton Constituency)

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah.citifmonline.com/Ghana

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