The Northern Development Forum (NDF), on Tuesday congratulated government, individuals and institutions for their contribution to the passage of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) Bill.
The Bill passed on Friday July 30 2010 by Parliament, covers a 20-year strategic programme that seeks to generate accelerated development in Upper West, Upper East and Northern Regions (the three Northern Regions) and parts of the Volta and Brong Ahafo Regions, to reduce poverty and to generate growth.
Addressing a press conference in Accra, Dr Hakeem Wemah, Chairman of the NDF on behalf the Association, expressed warm appreciation for the
contributions made so far by NDF and others towards the acceleration of the passage of both the NDF and SADA Bills.
"We wish to emphasize that what happened on July 30th in Parliament was the culmination of many years of tireless efforts, prayers and expectations of individuals, groups, institution and the government".
Dr Wemah also recognised the contributions of the New Patriotic Party Administration for the passage of the Northern Development Fund Bill, which has now been replaced by the SADA Bill.
He expressed hope that the new Bill would ensure a steady growth and development not only of the affected areas, but that of Ghana as a whole.
Dr Wemah noted that undeveloped in Northern Ghana was an imposition on the people, as a results of factors within and to a large extent external factors.
He said that the process of development of the Northern part of Ghana "must be the responsibility of people from the region but most importantly it must be seriously taken as a National and international duty".
Dr Wemah cautioned the implementing agencies that NDF would in collaboration with other institutions monitor and evaluate all activities
and progress of SADA in order to promote accountability and transparency in the interest of mother Ghana.
He said "While we anxiously await the assent of the President on the Bill, there is one vexing issue which must be tackled to clear the minds of
the people who are concerned about the development of this country."
Dr Wemah said the absence of a specific and sustainable source of funding for SADA gave room for concern and misgivings.
He said that without an identifiable, permanent and sustainable source of funding SADA would not make the desired or meaningful impact.
Dr Wemah said "We therefore take this opportunity to appeal to Government of the National Democratic Congress to come out with adequate and sustainable sources of funding for SADA.
"We wish, also, to reiterate that the success of SADA is not, and indeed should not, be the responsibility of only the people from the affected areas. It should be a national collaborative effort".
Dr Wemah "In this regard we urge that recruitment into structures of implementation of SADA should be by commitment to the agenda of the Northern Ghana's development and by merit, regardless of ones ethnic, regional or religious background."
He said for SADA to achieve its set objectives, party political affiliations should not be the yardstick for employment. Political
neutrality was imperative for the success of SADA as was amply underscored by the unanimity of the House of Parliament during the parliamentary debates on the bill.
Dr Wemah said "At this juncture we wish to acknowledge and salute the many individuals, especially those of northern Ghanaian descent and
elsewhere, including the clergy, scholars, educationists, politicians and Parliamentarians, Council of State Members and Chiefs who played and
continue to play significant roles in the development effort of the areas concerned."