Madam Abayage said supporting government programmes such as the ‘One Village one Dam’, the ‘Free Senior High School’, ‘One District one Factory’, and the ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’, among others would create viable and sustainable livelihoods for the people in the region.

Madam Abayage, speaking during a courtesy call on the paramount chiefs of the Talensi and Bongo Traditional Areas, Tongo Rana, Kugbilson Nalebtang and Bonaba, Naba Baba Salifu Lemyarum, said the effort was to solicit their support in addressing the development of the region.

She said it is unfortunate that the region is the second poorest one in the country but it is important to note that such policies as introduced government have the capacity to reduce poverty in the region if they are given the needed support.

Madam Abayage said if attention is given to these social interventions programmes it would take many from extreme poverty because the programmes are designed to provide employment and the necessities of life.

She said her role in the region is to supervise the administration of the region and ensure that government policies and programmes are implemented to meet the development needs of the people.

Madam Abayage said it is the intension of government to reduce poverty to the barest minimum, hence the various flagship programmes being implemented throughout the country.

She said plans are far advanced to commence the construction of the $700 million Pwalugu Hydro Electro Power Plant in the region to complement the supply of hydro power in the country.

The Minister gave the assurance that she would work hard on all sectors including security, health, education and help improve the socio-economic lives of the people in the area.

The two paramount chiefs commended the Regional Minister and the Government for the hard work and pursuance of sustainable policies that have brought about quality livelihoods to the chiefs and people in the region.

The Tongo Rana for his part called on the Minister to consider upgrading some of the road networks in his traditional area more so there is the need to adopt the right initiatives to enhance the tourist attractions of the area as this could generate revenue for the development of the area. 

He called on stakeholders to support his efforts with regards to the rose wood felling menace in the area and said it was destroying the forest and other environmental elements.

The Bonaba expressed satisfaction with government’s efforts in cutting the sod for the commencement of development projects in the area and said his area has received more development projects.

He said the improvement of the road network which includes the construction of major bridges in the area is a relief to the people “since it would connect the area and improve on our socio-economic activities” and urged stakeholders to support government achieve its interventions.