Bawku, Jan. 25, GNA - A 38-year-old management accountant of the Millennium Challenge Accounts (MCA), Mr. Abanga Abdulai, nominated by President Agyekum Kofuor as Municipal Chief Executive for Bawku, has been confirmed by the assembly.

He polled 44 out of the 47 votes cast by the assembly members. Mr. Abdulai expressed his appreciation to the members and pledged to work hard to move the development of the area forward. He said his priority would be to help resolve the fragile peace in Bawku and appealed to the assembly members to rally behind him. He said under his administration he would initiate an open door policy where all suggestions and views pertaining to the development of the municipality would be taken into consideration. "Agriculture and education would be some of my top priorities and I would ensure that these areas are effectively and efficiently expanded and improved to enhance the living standard of the people." Mr Abdulai said Bawku had a lot of revenue sources and when properly tapped could help develop the place and that he would adopt innovative initiatives to ensure that revenue mobilization was done effectively without leakages. "I would ensure that nobody divert revenue meant for development into his or her pocket", he said. Mr. Alhassan Samari, Upper East Regional Minister, said recent floods that hit the area and the communal violence that erupted in Bawku demanded strong leadership to deal with them. Mr. Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central, Mr. Mark Anthony, MP for Binduri and Mr. Akunye Simon, MP for Pusiga as well as the Upper East Deputy Regional Minister, Mrs Agnes Chigabatia, attended the ceremony.

A 32-Year-old accountant, Mr. Desmond Bugbilla, was also confirmed as the District Chief Executive for Bawku West. He polled 38 votes out 43 votes cast. He thanked the members for confirming him and promised to continue with the good work of his predecessor. Mr. Bugbilla urged members to give him the maximum support by rallying behind him to accelerate the development of the District.