MINISTER-DESIGNATE FOR the Upper East Region, Albert Abongo, has stated that one of his areas of focus for development of the region is creating water bodies and constructing dams to be used for farming by the youth during the dry season.
Mr. Abongo noted that during the dry season, the youth migrate to the south for greener pastures and sometimes do not return but in order to stop or reduce this menace, there is the need to create these dams for irrigation purposes during the dry season for all year round farming.
Responding to series of question yesterday from the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Mr. Abongo, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bongo in the same region said the region has great potential and ought to be tapped into.
He added that there are about 15 basket weaving groups which can be supported with loans to expand their business for higher productivity.
The Bongo MP explained that he will also focus on creating opportunities for the youth as well as encourage school going age children to stay in school.
Touching on security, the Minister-designate said the region is without serious tribal conflict however he will collaborate with the various traditional authorities and security agencies to tighten security, especially in this election year.
He said the two major problems in the region are poverty and education adding that he will work with strategic partners to improve farming and the lives of the people as well as ensure that children of school going age stay in school through the school feeding programme and free uniform programme by the government.
The former Water Resources, Works and Housing Minister refuted claims that he was appointed on tribal lines and to aid the president win some votes in the region.
“I was appointed to run a region and not a political party in the region” Mr. Abongo said and added that he will work to promote the region.
Source: Albert Amekudzi
