By Mohammed Balu, GNA
Welembelle (UWR), April 22, GNA – Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the NDC, has called on farmers in Welembelle and the wider Sissala East Municipality to remain patient as the government works to address challenges affecting the agricultural sector.
Speaking during a community engagement to thank voters, Mr Nketia acknowledged the difficulties farmers were currently facing, particularly the high cost of inputs and low market prices for produce.
He described the situation as a “Transitional problem” and assured farmers that measures were being put in place to improve the situation.
“We are aware of the difficulties you are going through. Do not let this discourage you from farming in the next season. The government is working to resolve these challenges, and very soon farming will become profitable,” he said.
He disclosed that the government was in the process of establishing mechanisation centres to provide affordable services to farmers.
Mr Nketia said, efforts were underway to make agricultural inputs more accessible and reasonably priced.
He noted that current hardships were temporary and tied to ongoing policy adjustments and expressed confidence that with the implementation of sound policies, conditions will stabilise and improve.
During the visit, traditional leaders also reminded the delegation of key development promises made during the campaign period.
In response, Mr Nketia assured them that the government remained committed to fulfilling all pledges, including infrastructure development and the completion of abandoned projects.
“All uncompleted projects will be worked on. These projects were started with public funds, and it is only right that they are completed for the benefit of the people”, he said.
Mr Nketia also used the occasion to commend the people for their continued support for the party and called for unity ahead of the upcoming internal elections.
He stressed the importance of maintaining peace and working together to sustain development gains.
Mr Issah Mohammed Bataklia, the Member of Parliament for the Sissala East Constituency attributed the community’s long-term transformation to a consistent vision and strategic investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare dating back to the 1980s.
He said key milestones, such as the establishment of the Tumu Training College and the modernisation of maternal health services through professional nursing school had significantly improved local livelihoods and maternal health care.
He emphasised that the party’s commitment to the road sector was being seen under the Big Push roads project, which had seen most of the contractors at the site.
By prioritising this connectivity through roads, the MP aims to unlock the region’s farming potential and create sustainable economic opportunities for the youth.
Mr Charles Lwanga Puizuing, the Upper West regional Minister encouraged residents, particularly the youth, to take advantage of government agricultural initiatives like the Feed Ghana, ‘Akoko nkitinkiti’ aimed at boosting employment.
The visit formed part of ongoing efforts by party leadership to engage grassroots communities, assess progress on campaign promises, and gather feedback on government performance.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Linda Asante Agyei