Mr. Mahami Salifu (pictured far right), the Upper East Regional Minister, on Friday expressed disgust and disappointment at all the six District Chief Executives (DCEs) in the region for not keeping to time scheduled for functions.

Speaking at the first ordinary meeting of the Upper East Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) in Bolgatanga, the minister, warned that he would sanction any district chief executive, who would misconduct him or herself.

As at 01030 hours, no DCE was at the meeting, which was scheduled to start at 010 hours. Some of them started coming for the meeting when the minister had almost finished delivering his speech.

The Bolgatanga DCE, Mr Rockson Bukari, who came in, when the minister had finished reading his address, said he attended to an urgent security matter in the area, where sections of the Kalbeo community had clashed over a land dispute.

Mr Salifu reminded the DCEs that as government officials they were expected to assist him carry out his duties successfully.

The minister asked them to be commitment to their work and be role models for other heads of departments.

He hinted that district assemblies in the region have committed about 40 per cent of their common fund to the development of education.

Mr Salifu said infrastructure development for the Bolgatanga Polytechnic was underway and the institution was expected to make its first admissions by September this year.

He said the Regional Health Service had seen a great improvement as maternal and infant mortality rates were falling.

He said: " The Polytechnic has just received a number of vehicles and these are expected to further lease the breath of the service."

Mr Salifu mentioned road repairs, agriculture improvement and security arrangement as other issues that were being considered for attention.

He expressed the hope that much would be done to improve the standard of living of the people.

The Regional Commander of Police, Mr. Bernard Dery, said the law enforcement agency would ensure peace and stability for the development of the area.

He said: "To achieve this, we have opened new police stations including satellite ones dotted all over the region, thus sending our services to the door steps of the people.''