Unite towards development - Upper East Regional Minister
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Rockson Ayine Bukari, has called on citizens of the region to put the election behind them and unite towards the development of the region.
"As you all know, the electoral process was only a means to an end, and for that matter the period of campaigns has and must end. What is on the table now is to work towards uniting Ghanaians and for that matter the people of this region to tackle the real enemies of our people which are illiteracy, poverty, deprivation, diseases and unemployment," he stated.
He indicated that the above challenges did not have party colouration, hence it was imperative to eschew all forms of divisiveness and rally around government to prosecute its manifesto which he described as the most comprehensive in the recent past.
The Upper East regional minister said this when he addressed enthusiastic residents and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who gave him a rousing welcome from Accra after he had been vetted and sworn in as the new regional minister.
To realise the desired conditions for the citizenry, he said, the President had admonished the need for drastic changes in attitudes and practices; and discipline must permeate all sectors of our national life.
Mr Bukari said he would not hesitate to strictly demand loyalty and positive work ethics and ethos from people in the region, especially public office holders.
"On this score, let me inform you all about a personal pledge that I have made to myself, and that is time management. I will make it a point to attend all programmes in time to show leadership by example. I, therefore, demand that all officers expected at certain times to perform assigned roles will take a cue from me," he stressed.
New dawn
Mr Bukari said a new dawn had arrived in Ghana, in which the new government would serve with courage, and free education would be given its true meaning to guarantee an educated and skilled population.
“This is the time that universal and accessible health care will be given as a right and not a privilege and agriculture will be used to drive industrialisation while providing food and jobs,” he emphasised.
He indicated that his immediate plan was to hold a series of interactive encounters with identifiable stakeholders in the region to learn at first-hand their plans and programmes and also solicit support for the implementation of the manifesto of the government.
He urged party supporters to desist from acts which would bring the region’s name into disrepute, but blaze the trail by rallying the rest of Ghanaians around their manifesto.
"We must separate party business from that of government and I will make it a point to avail myself at the regional office of our party on Fridays after work to meet with members on any burning issues," he mentioned.
He assured the people of operating an open-door administration where every idea or input towards the development of the region would be welcomed.