Tamale, Feb. 22, GNA- Mr Boniface Abubakari Saddique, Northern Regional Minister, has appealed to the Tamale branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), to liaise with the appropriate agencies to reverse the arbitrary lorry fares being charged by drivers. The Minister who made the appeal when he interacted with members of the GPRTU in Tamale on Monday said unnecessary increase in lorry fares would have adverse effects on the socio-economic activities of the people.

He urged commercial drivers in Metropolis to drive with care, adding, "the lives of passengers rest in your hands any time you are behind the wheel."

The Minister called on them to serve as the messengers of peace to help erase the negative perception people have about the Northern Region.

Mr Salifu Masawudu, Industrial Relations Officer of the Tamale branch of the GPRTU, appealed to the Minister to facilitate the clearing of the huge refuse at the lorry parks and relocate traders and hawkers who have taken over the parks.

The Minister had earlier called on the Right Reverend Joseph Atto-Brown, Diocesan Bishop of the Methodist Church in charge of the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions who prayed for divine blessings to lead the Minister to bring development and prosperity to the area.

He said the Methodist Church was interested in the governance of the country that was why over the years, it had fought tirelessly against misrule.

Rt. Rev. Atto-Brown paid compliments to the former Regional Minister Mr Ernest Debrah for helping bring peace and an appreciable level of development to the Region.

He advised the new Minister to consult with religious bodies and other stakeholders on matters affecting the Region as his predecessor did.

In response, Mr. Saddique called on Christians and Muslims to come together and work towards enduring peace in the Region. The Minister also paid a courtesy call on the family of the late Alhaji Yahaya Iddi, one of the founding members of the Danquah-Busia tradition that gave birth to the ruling New Patriotic Party.