Bolgatanga, May 18, GNA - Papa Owusu Ankomah, Minister of Interior on Wednesday said the government respects and recognizes the chieftaincy institution as one that is most efficient in reaching out to the people and could not achieve much without its support.

He therefore, called on Traditional Rulers to give support and work harmoniously with the government for the rapid development of the country.

Paapa Owusu Ankomah, who is visiting the Upper East Region as part of a working tour of the northern part of Ghana, made the call in Bolgatanga when he met the Chiefs and people of the Municipality.

"We would never interfere in chieftaincy maters, but I entreat you to make and maintain peace in your communities and the entire region, so that there can be good development in the area," he said. He noted that a lot of money and time that could have been used for developing the area was usually spent to bring peace when ever there was conflict and destruction and asked the chiefs to endeavour to forge peace between any feuding parties in the area.

He urged all to resort to dialogue instead of violence to solve their problems.

Papa Owusu Ankomah sympathised with the people about the food shortage in the region and, promised that the government would help them with food supplies.

He advised them to patronize the National Health Insurance Scheme, which would help them acquire medical attention when the need arose, saying it was a good avenue for the poor to get good health care. On Security, he asked the people to cooperate with the Police and report suspicious characters, especially those engaged in criminal activities.

The Directors of the Ministry of Interior, Ghana Immigration service, Ghana Prisons Service accompanied the Minster who is spending two days in the region to visit various institutions and organizations.