Our concern is to ensure calm for accelerated development. President

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated that ensuring calm in all regions of the country in order to accelerate development is a government priority.

In light of this, he lauded the chiefs and people for their efforts and cooperation, and he praised the prevalent peace in the Nanung Traditional Area (Bimbilla) in the Northern Region.

The President added, "I am ecstatic to hear this because, at every stage, my top priority is to ensure peace in the region."

Tuesday of last week, the Chiefs of the Nanung Traditional Council paid him a courtesy call at the Jubilee House in Accra.

Yakubu Andani Dasana, Nyelinbolgu Naa, the Regent of Nanung and acting President of the council, lead the delegation.

Regarding security, President Akufo-Addo stated that the government had increased the number of security personnel and apparatus stationed in the area to maintain order.

However, he acknowledged that "some gaps remain to be filled, and efforts are being made to do so in order to ensure that issues of lawlessness in the region are addressed."

In addition, the President assured them that the government would address their concerns, particularly regarding the expansion of the Bimbilla Hospital to accommodate the growing number of patients, as well as the establishment of a health training institute for the region.

Demarcation, allegiance

President Akufo-Addo responded to some of the chiefs' concerns regarding conflicts stemming from the demarcation of political and administrative divisions and allegiance to traditional authorities by stating that the government was working to resolve such misunderstandings.

"So far, in our system of government, we have not found a satisfactory solution," he said.

Prior to the council's approval, Naa Dasana had addressed the issue of certain lands and chiefs in the Nanung region falling under the jurisdiction of the Oti Region.

President Akufo-Addo acknowledged his concerns and stated that the issue was not confined to the Nanung region alone, adding that in such circumstances, malevolent individuals could exploit the misunderstandings to advance their narrow interests and cause unrest.

He praised the regent, the chiefs, and the people for their efforts to maintain peace and stability in the traditional region.

Gratitude

Naa Dasana thanked the President for his dedication to the nation's welfare and progress.

"We are fortunate to have you as our President, particularly in these tumultuous times, which are primarily the result of external factors.

"History has shown that great leaders are forged in adversity," he explained.

The regent recalled that from 2015 to 2018, Bimbilla was beset by chieftaincy-related conflicts that resulted in the devastation of life and property and the imposition of a curfew from dusk to dawn.

He stated, however, that the government's efforts had brought peace and tranquility not only to Bimbilla, but to the entire Nanung Kingdom.

Naa Andani Dasana attributed this to the government's efforts and the people's determination to also enjoy calm and stability.

Projects

Regarding development initiatives, the regent mentioned the Eastern Corridor roads, which he claimed had made substantial progress.

"Today, a substantial portion of the project has been completed, and the best part is that you've kept your promise to construct a dual-carriageway in the Bimbilla township," he added.

However, Naa Dasana complained that contractors working on a portion of the roads were not adhering to the specifications and asked the President to intervene to ensure quality work.