The flag bearer of the Progressive People's Party (PPP), Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, has assured the people of the Northern Region that Ghana under his leadership will implement policies and programmes to address the development gap between the north and the south.
He said the lack of good roads, potable water, inadequate health facilities in the region was evidence that the current administration had neglected the people of the north.
"I am shocked to find out that the people of the north are still lagging behind in terms of development infrastructure. I will change that during my administration,” Dr Nduom said when he addressed supporters at Salaga in the East Gonja District in Northern Region.
Dr Nduom is currently on a six-day tour of four regions. So far, he has toured the Brong Ahafo and Upper West regions. He is expected to end his tour in the Upper East Region.
Dr Nduom was met by a large crowd at the Salaga North constituency where the PPP has fielded a strong and popular young man, Mr Abu Fatau Wahab, as its parliamentary candidate for this year's election.
In all the constituencies visited, the PPP flag bearer promised to build a branch of GN Bank to support the development of the people.
Agenda for change
Dr Nduom said a PPP government would implement projects in the three regions of the north in the areas of health, education, infrastructure and others to empower the people economically to create wealth and reduce poverty.
He said since poverty was a major issue that had plagued the region, his administration would focus on creating enough jobs, especially for the youth.
"Every economy needs jobs. You cannot just build schools and educate more people to come and sit at home doing nothing. There should be something for them to come and do once they are educated,” Dr Nduom said.
He said the Northern Region had the resources to become one of Ghana's vibrant regions but the inexperienced leadership of President John Mahama had made the region become "malnourished."
"The PPP has made job creation its topmost priority and we intend to ensure that every region gets enough jobs for its people. This is the only way to spread development,” Dr Nduom said.
He advised the people not to allow themselves to be deceived by the huge promises made by the other political parties because "they are all meant to deceive you to vote for them”.
"They only need your vote. Nothing about your future concerns them,” Dr Nduom added.
He, therefore, urged the people of the Northern Region to turn their attention to the PPP because "it is the only party that has shown interest in your well-being".