Boya (UE), Dec. 30, GNA- A newly formed development association made up of eight communities in the Bawku West aimed at undertaken self help projects to complement Government efforts had been inaugurated at Boya in the Bawku West District in the Upper East Region. The association known as Boya Development Association (BODA), apart from its self-help projects would also ensure that certain negative cultural practices, including female genital mutilation, widowhood rites, among others were also eliminated.

The National Chairman of BODA, Mr. John A. Amidini explained that the people in the area realized that since government alone could not provide all societal needs it was necessary to complement government efforts in facilitating accelerated development.

He said, it was based on this that the Association was formed to assist government to undertake development projects. He said one of the major areas BODA would give priority to was to ensure that communities placed much premium on the girl-child education.

Mr. Amidini indicated that BODA would encourage, support and source for funding to help women to enter into politics to ensure gender equity, especially at the District Assembly levels.

Mr. Aladago David, National Secretary of BODA, stressed that the Association was non-political and non-governmental and its main aim was to help fight combat poverty, illiteracy and ignorance. "The Association would not be allowed to be used by any politician for his or her selfish interest", he said.

Six-member executives were sworn into office. They were Mr. John A Amidini, National Chairman, Mr. Alex Akparibo, Vice Chairman, Mr. Aladago David, and National Secretary.

The rest were Mr. James Aduko National Organizer, Ms Gladys Akugri, Financial Secretary and Mr. Braimah I Hickson, National Coordinator. Swearing them into office, Reverend Dr Ayibo, Presiding Member of the Bawku West District Assembly urged the executive members to work assiduously to ensure that their dreams and ambitions were achieved for the benefit of their entire communities.