By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Bolgatanga, June 16, GNA – Mr. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, Upper East Regional Minister, has appealed to the leadership of churches to court investors to the Region for development.
He acknowledged that with trust among members of the public for leadership of churches, it was easier for the churches to attract investors to the country since government alone could not do so to bring the level of development needed.
“It is easier for you to coax investors into the country, more than politicians. Investors consider the lifespan of political systems and are skeptical about investments through political systems,” he noted.
Mr Atanga made the appeal when leadership of the Upper East Region Zone ‘A’ of the Assemblies of God (AG), Ghana, called on him in his office to congratulate and wish him well as the political head of the Region.
According to the Minister, with the integrity and continuity in power and leadership of churches, it was easier for them to lobby any entity to invest in the country and urged them to take advantage of that to court investors.
Mr Atanga said the Region was not so endured in terms of development, and further stressed the need for churches to intervene, “we want to rely on you the religious bodies to look for investors for us,” the Minister said.
He noted the contributions of religious bodies in education, health, economic empowerment and other social sectors which had over the years improved the lives of citizens and promoted nation-building.
Touching on the security situation in the Region, the Minister, who is the Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), said the Region was the most difficult to manage, owing to chieftaincy, mining and land disputes.
“Upper East is the most difficult Region in the country for now, as far as peace is concerned, because the Region is facing a lot of challenges in various aspects; we have land, chieftaincy, and mining related disputes,” he said.
He called on religious leaders to continue to pray and seek God’s favour for peace in the Region, which was prerequisite to court investors, and thanked leadership of the AG for the visit.
Reverend Albert Adekaldu, the Zone ‘A’ Regional Superintendent of the AG, Ghana, who led the team, congratulated the Minister for his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to deliver to the expectation of residents.
He said the AG, Ghana, had played critical roles in national development since its establishment in 1931 and noted that “We are not only focused on evangelism and spiritual nourishment, but also on education, health, youth empowerment and community development.
“In the Upper East Region, we operate numerous churches, schools and social interventions that seek to uplift lives and build godly character among the populace,” Reverend Adekaldu said.
The cleric and his team, as part of the visit, prayed for God’s wisdom, strength and protection for the Minister to steer the affairs of the Region successfully.
GNA
Edited by Fatima Anafu-Astanga/Kenneth Odeng Adade