For the first time since the revival of Paaregbielle festival celebrated by the Sissala people 10 years ago, a sitting President will grace the occasion which comes with excitement among citizens of the Sissala East Municipality.

The Ghana News Agency went into the Tumu Township to gauge the mood of residents about their expectations of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s maiden visit on Saturday, March 23.

Many want the President’s assurance on fixing the bad roads network of Wa-Tumu-Bolga as its deplorable state hindered economic activities, particularly with their francophone West African neighbours with huge market potential.

Many unemployed youths also appealed for jobs and want to remind the President of his promise to give them a district factory, citing as an example, the Tumu Cotton Ginnery yet to be made operational.

Others want the President to make a pronouncement on the employment of graduate teachers and community nurses, with some saying: “If our development needs are not addressed, we will hold our immediate leaders responsible”.

Mr Sani Jebuuni, a political activist of the National Democratic Congress, praised the President for the implementation of the planting for food and jobs programme and encouraged him to do more.

The Member of Parliament of Sissala East Constituency, Mr Ridwan Abbas Dauda, said the festival would offer an opportunity to the President to make a commitment and “once they are made they will be done for the people”.

“Saturday, we will all get a good package from the President from his visit and speech”.