The Dagbon Kingdom will receive its fair share of development under my leadership, President John Dramani Mahama has assured.

He said as long as he remained President, Dagbon would not be left behind in the distribution of the national cake.

President Mahama mentioned roads, education, health care and agriculture as some of the sectors that were receiving the government’s attention to improve the livelihoods of the people.

He added that efficient water supply remained central to the partnership between the government and traditional authority in the area.

The President gave the assurance when the Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya-Naa Yakubu, paid a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House in Accra.

It was the Regent’s first visit to the Presidency since the demise of his father, Ya-Na Mahama Abukari II, in July this year.

Present were the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu; the Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Alhassan Suhuyini; some Paramount Chiefs and members of the Northern Region House of Chiefs, and Members of Parliament from the Dagbon Kingdom.

The President extended his condolences to the Regent and the people of Dagbon on the passing of the late Ya-Na, describing him as “my friend and father.”

“We did everything medically possible to save his life, but Allah knows best, and none of us can prevent what Allah intends to happen,” he said.

President Mahama described the late Ya-Na as a bridge-builder and expressed confidence in the Regent’s determination to consolidate his father’s legacy.

He said the successful installation of the Regent was a testament to the enduring peace currently existing in Dagbon, stressing that the Regent had assumed a responsibility that called for wisdom, patience, consultation, and fairness.

“The peace of Dagbon is precious, and we must protect it through our words, our decisions, and our treatment of one another,” the President said.

He encouraged the Regent to continue reaching out across families, communities, and generations to consolidate the prevailing peace for accelerated development.

The President wished the Regent strength, wisdom, and good health in the discharge of his responsibilities, and prayed for continued peace, unity, and progress in Dagbon.

Water sector
President Mahama announced that funding had been secured for Tamale, Damongo, and Yendi water systems, after the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, held talks with the EU in Thailand, Bangkok, last week.

He said work on the three water systems would commence very soon, adding that the government had already financed the replacement of old pumps at the existing waterworks, adding, “By November this year, when the new pumps begin operating, Tamale will see an increase in water supply, even before the EU-funded project begins”.

Appeal
The President further appealed to all concerned in Dagbon to exercise patience and restraint and to place the enduring interests of Dagbon above individual differences.

He assured the Regent that the government would maintain open channels of communication with the Gbewaa Palace and respond with respect and care to matters brought to its attention.

“I look forward to hearing your concerns and priorities and receiving your good counsel, just as your father offered me his counsel when he was alive,” President Mahama said.

He urged the youth of Dagbon to use their energies and talents to build their communities, uphold traditions, and resolve differences through dialogue.

Appreciation
Kampakuya-Naa Yakubu Il, for his part, expressed appreciation to the President and the government for the warm welcome and assistance during the passing of the late Overlord of Dagbon.

He said he came to officially present himself to the presidency in his status as the Regent of Dagbon, while pledging to help in sustaining the prevailing peace and harmony in the Kingdom.

Source: Graphiconline