By Philip Tengzu
Babile, (UW/R), Nov. 21, GNA – Mr Stephen Yakubu, the Upper West Regional Minister, has reiterated the commitment of the President Akufo-Addo-led government to bridge the development gap between the northern and southern parts of the country.
“This is a government that is thinking strategically, trying to bridge the gap, not only in the north, but also to bring everybody up to speed in terms of development, in terms of education, in terms of infrastructure, and everything,” he explained.
The Minister said this in Babile in the Lawra Municipality when he commissioned the Babile Small Ruminate Market Road constructed under the Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) project.
The Minister also commissioned a classroom block at Lawra and market stalls at Piina in the Lambussie District under the project.
He said the Upper West Region, for instance, lagged in development, which the government sought to improve through interventions such as the SOCO project.
The SOCO project is a 150 million US Dollar IDA/World Bank credit facility implemented in 48 districts in six regions – Upper West, Upper East, Northern, North East, Savannah and Oti Regions.
It is aimed among other things to enhance the livelihood and socio-economic development of the people while reducing their vulnerabilities to be influenced by extremist groups.
Mr Yakubu also mentioned the Free Senior High School policy initiated by the President Akufo-Addo-led government as a bold intervention towards bridging the development through equitable access to secondary education by every Ghanaian child irrespective of one’s economic or social status.
He, appealed to the electorate to dispassionately consider the person and the political party that had interest in the development of Ghanaians and the country during the December 7 general election.
The Minister, however, said they should consider the works of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)-led government and vote for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP presidential candidate for the 2024 general election to enable him and the NPP continue to develop the country.
Mr Vitus Dapilah Kadoe, the Regent of Babile, thanked the government for the intervention and said it would open up and enhance business on the market.
He, however, appealed for the tarring or paving of the road to expand its lifespan as the area was waterlogged and any little rain in the area would render it unusable.
Mr Jacob Dery, the Lawra Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), indicated that the project would help improve local economic development.
“As part of the project, grants will be made available to identifiable groups so that they can enhance the businesses they are engaged in,” he announced.
GNA