North East Regional Minister, Ibrahim Tia, has disclosed that his utmost and foremost priority is to tackle developmental concerns as he assumes the highest office in the North East Region of Ghana.
According to him, the enormous agricultural potential in the region will be the focal point to set the tone for human capital development and economic transformation.
He spoke to journalists during the vetting of MMDCE applicants in the North East Regional capital, Nalerigu, where he revealed his intention to leverage the vast fertile lands in the area, while also addressing security issues as part of his agenda.
“Development is my major priority—yes, my priority is development—and agriculture is my focus because we’ve got good lands across my region where we can really produce several cash crops like rice, tomatoes, watermelon, maize, and cassava. All these can drive development,” he stated.
“And we will get the youth engaged. The youth getting jobs—jobs and jobs for the youth—is my priority,” he assured.
Touching on security concerns in the region, Ibrahim Tia noted that conflicts are found all over the country and are not limited to the North East alone. However, his office is prepared to deal with every conflict situation as and when it emerges.
He further expressed concern about robbery incidents, which have become rampant in the western part of the North East Region, most of which are identified to be committed by Fulani herdsmen. Appropriate measures will be employed to end the menace, including engaging community leaders to promote peace and the well-being of the people.
“With regards to armed robbery, we are all aware of it. When you go to the prisons and courts, like I said—and I’m repeating it again—most of those involved in armed robbery are Fulanis. I’m not saying that our own people are not part of it, but when they are arrested, 70 to 80 per cent are Fulanis. We will engage Fulani leaders to talk to them to see how best we can nip this menace in the bud,” Ibrahim Tia stated.
The Regional Minister also expressed confidence in all 85 aspirants vying for the position of MMDCEs from the six districts across the region, namely Bunkrugu, Yunyoo, Chereponi, East Mamprusi, West Mamprusi, and Mamprugu-Moagduri Districts.
“All those who applied to occupy the seat of Chief Executive for the respective Municipal and District Assemblies are competent and people of integrity. Going through their CVs, they are all qualified, and during the interviews, they performed very well and satisfactorily.”
“I am convinced that whoever emerges as the District Chief Executive or Municipal Chief Executive will do their work very well,” he told Issah Nabila in an exclusive interview after the vetting.
To complement the Regional Minister’s commitments, a DCE hopeful for the Mamprugu-Moagduri District in the North East, Abubakar Bawa Fuseini, pledged to capitalize on the government’s agricultural policies to the full benefit of the people, in line with President Mahama’s vision.
Mr Fuseini, who interacted with the media after being vetted alongside eight other candidates for the Moagduri DCE position, maintained that the judicious use of common funds and Internally Generated Funds (IGF), as well as the proper implementation of government programs and policies at the local level, is the surest way to achieve development and economic stability.
“We will make good use of internally generated funds and other funding sources to effect positive change. If necessary, we will bring in NGOs, especially in our bid to reduce the kayaye menace in our area.”
“We will work closely with the security agencies and engage other relevant stakeholders to address robbery and security matters,” the Moagduri DCE aspirant told journalists.
The North East Region is among the five newly created regions established six years ago alongside Savannah, Bono East, Ahafo, Oti, and Western North. However, the region remains arguably one of the least developed despite possessing an appreciable level of economic potential.
Ibrahim Tia, who is the former regional secretary for the ruling NDC, is therefore expected to inject new energy, ideas, and strategies to uplift the region’s development trajectory.
By: Issah Nabila Salifu/newsalertgh.com
