Alhaji Limuna Mohammed-Muniru, the Northern Regional Minister, has appealed to senior citizens in the Region to support the Regional Coordinating Council in its efforts to rid the region of the vices threatening the fabric of society.

He said, “We need your support to deal with the lingering chieftaincy and land disputes as well as the rising ‘sakawa’ menace, violent behaviour and indiscipline, to pave the way for the development that we all desire”.

Alhaji Mohammed-Muniru made the appeal at a reception in Tamale, on Wednesday, to mark this year’s Republican Day Celebration, christened ‘Senior Citizens Day.’

The event was attended by retired civil servants, teachers, politicians, religious leaders, famers, traders, community volunteers, traditional rulers amongst other personalities, all of whom have contributed towards the peace, stability, and development of the Region.

Alhaji Mohammed-Muniru said, “The developmental challenges of the Region remain daunting and we cannot afford to be distracted further by these issues”.

He mentioned other challenges facing the Region to include unreliable energy supply, unreliable rainfall pattern, and economic problems, saying, “We remain resolute as a Government that these are only a temporary setback and that the medium to long-term prospects of this country are quite bright”.

He said the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) had been repositioned to pursue its goals, adding “We can look forward to an aggressive pursuit of development by SADA in the coming years”.

Alhaji Mohammed-Muniru also condemned the widespread practice of open defecation in the Region, saying the practice exposed residents to serious dangers and, therefore, encouraged all to put up household latrines and step up efforts to improve sanitation.