Takoradi, Dec. 17, GNA - Mr Boniface Gambilla, Upper East Regional Minister said the region needs more tomato farmers to feed the Pwalugu Tomato factory.

He said presently the factory needs over 400 metric tons of fresh tomatoes daily to meet its production targets. Mr Gambilla said this at the annual durbar of chiefs and people of Upper East Region living in the Shama Ahanta East Metropolis at Takoradi on Sunday.

He said the annual request for food aid by the region had ceased because farmers in the region were now using modern farming methods, improved fertilizers, tractors and advanced farming inputs. Mr Gambilla said the use of the wind vane in the irrigational activities of the region and the assistance of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) had contributed to the improved food production in the region.

He told the inhabitants that several development projects were taking place in the region.

He said Sandema and Zebilla Secondary Schools had been selected for the second phase of the pilot schools project for next year. Mr Gambilla reminded them to be worthy ambassadors and avoid acts that create confusion, division and conflicts. Mr Anthony Amoah, Western Regional Minister, said politicians, chiefs and all leaders should be transparent to their people and respect their freedoms, dignity and right.

=93Openness and accountability will facilitate good governance, development and economic freedom,=94 he added. Mr Amoah charged them to contribute their quota towards the development of their respective communities. Naaba Ayiibor, Frafra chief, appealed to the people to support their colleagues in the Upper east and in the Zongos, who cannot afford the premium of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). 17 Dec. 06