The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has urged the chiefs, queens and people of the Mepe Traditional Area in the North Tongu District in the Volta Region to take a decisive step to stamp out all chieftaincy and land disputes holding back the rapid development of the area.

He said a large number of investors from far and near had identified Mepe as an ideal enclave for large-scale industrial farming and were now seeking concessions from the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) to start serious business in the area, which signified a new dawn of progress for Mepe.

“But this cannot happen in the absence of peace and unity in Mepe,” he added.

Mr Gunu made the remarks when a delegation of chiefs and queens from Mepe paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Ho last Tuesday.

Floods

He gave an assurance that the government would definitely compensate victims of the recent floods which devastated the Tongu areas.

“The government has not forgotten the flood victims, and the government has not forgotten its pledge to the people,” he reaffirmed.

In that regard, Mr Gunu told the delegation that the relevant data was being compiled for the compensation exercise.

Meanwhile, the regional minister announced plans by the government to open a campus for the University of Health and Allied Science (UHAS) at a suitable location in the Tongu area soon.

That would help the university to absorb the numerous products of the various senior high schools in the area without stress, Mr Gunu explained.

Congratulations

The delegation, led by the Manklalo of the Mepe Traditional Area, Togbe Korsi Nego VI, congratulated Mr Gunu for his nomination and confirmation as the regional minister and assured him of the full support of the traditional authorities of Mepe in all development matters in their jurisdiction and the entire region as well.

The Manklalo also extended an invitation to the regional minister and President John Mahama to this year’s Afenortor Festival slated for August.

“President Mahama’s concern for our welfare has long been evident even before he became President again; and so, his presence at the festival would be absolutely fitting,” he maintained.