Bolgatanga, Jan. 3, GNA - Government is committed to bridging the development gap between the Upper West, Upper East and Northern Regions (three northern regions) and the southern part of the Country. Mr. Mark Woyongo, Upper East Regional Minister, who said this, however, cautioned that such initiative could be undermined if conflicts continued to plague the three northern regions, especially in the Bawku area. The Minister was speaking at an end-of-year party, organised by the Upper East Regional Co-ordination Council (RCC) for a cross section of workers and residents of the region, in Bolgatanga.

Mr Woyongo said government has put in place interventions such as the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority, Rural Safety Net Project, Shea Nut Development Board and the Northern Rural Growth Programme towards the development of the north.

He said new dams were constructed and old ones rehabilitated and Livestock Development Project also initiated to specifically boost agriculture development in the north.

Mr. Woyongo said: "We should therefore not fritter on frivolous issues but quadruple our efforts if we want to catch up with the other parts of the country. We should resolve to enter the New Year with the spirit of forgiveness, tolerance, love and the desire to push the development of the region forward".

Mr. Samuel N'lary, Chief Director at the RCC, said that this year's get-together was unique because for the first time it included a cross section of workers and citizens in the region. Mr. Robert Ajene, retired educationist, commended the Minister for operating an open door policy and wished him blessings in the years ahead. District Chief Executives, Members of Parliament, Heads of Departments and Paramount Chiefs were among dignitaries who attended the party.