The Chief and people of Baare in the Talensi District, have appealed to government to help de-silt the only dam in the area which is the major source of livelihood of the people.

Naba Nyaakora Mantii made the appeal during the celebration of the “Daa festival” of the area.

The festival was on the theme: “Promoting Unity and Creating Awareness through Education and Culture”.

Naba Nyaakora Mantii, known in private life as Sylvester Balagumyetime, said since the construction of the dam 25 years ago, it had not been de-silted and this made it difficult for people to embark on dry season farming of crops such tomato, pepper, okro and onions.

“The dam helped retain the people of this area as it engaged the youth in some meaningful occupation,” he said.

He said the main source of drinking water was also from the dam and this encouraged the youth to go into livestock rearing in the area saying they could, however, no longer undertake these activities with the choked dam.

Naba Mantii appealed to government to also help the area construct a befitting market structure with decent market stalls saying the Baare market which is one of the famous and oldest markets in the Talensi and Nabdam Districts and the Gurune Speaking areas; when properly constructed would help generate more revenue for the Assembly.

He also called for aid in connecting electricity to the area to enable small scale industries thrive.

The Chief commended the Government for extending the School Feeding Programme to the Baare Primary School and appealed for an additional School block and teachers’ accommodation to help cater for more school children.

The Chief paid tribute to the World Vision Ghana for the numerous support and projects it had brought to Baare especially borehole, KVIP toilets and introduction of the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) among others and called on other NGOs to emulate World Vision.

The Daa festival is celebrated by the people of Baare every year to thank the gods and ancestors for granting them good harvest and protecting them throughout the year and to also ask for further protection.

The Chief also used the occasion to en-skin a new Queen Mother and Youth Chief for the area.

The new Queen Mother is Mrs Geogina Bonsarigya, a 46-year old Medical Assistant.