Tamale, Dec. 30, GNA - Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, the Northern Regional Minister, has commended security personnel, especially those working in the three northern regions, for their contribution to the maintenance of peace, law and order.

He said they should extend the same commitment to duty to make the country's jubilee year 2007 a haven worth visiting to ensure that the nation continues to score high points for being the safest in the sub region.

Alhaji Idris said this at the weekend at the Air Borne Force (ABF) edition of the West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA) in Tamale. "Your invaluable contribution to maintain the current peace in the region is immeasurable and I thank you all on behalf of the Regional Security Council and urge you to keep your fighting spirit to ensure that Ghana remains violent free."

Alhaji Idris commended chiefs, opinion leaders and citizens in the Northern Region for cooperating with the security personnel to sustain the peace and urged them to engage in dialogue to resolve issues.

Lieutenant-Colonel Irvine Aryeetey, the Commanding Officer of the Air Borne Force (ABF), said they had succeeded in fighting crime in the three northern regions and that their contribution to peace and security in the Northern Region was acknowledged by all stakeholders. He appealed to people in the three northern regions to pursue dialogue and compromise to solve misunderstandings.

Lt-Col Aryeetey thanked the Upper East Regional Minister and the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for purchasing a vehicle to assist in patrol duties in the region.

He said they also helped to construct permanent structures to accommodate soldiers at Bezua.

The commander urged personnel to exhibit a higher standard of commitment and sacrifice to their profession and remain loyal to their units.