THE Upper West Region has received a total of ?5 billion from the HIPC fund for development projects. The projects are in the education, water and sanitation sectors.

The Regional Minister, Mr Sahanun Mogtari, disclosed this in a speech read on his behalf at the launch of a self-help fund, poverty alleviation and an advocacy programme for the region at Kpazie in the Nadowli District.

The programme, with sponsorship from the Royal Embassy of Denmark, is being implemented by the Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP), a non-governmental organisation.

Mr Mogtari said the government, in its determination to reduce poverty in the country, has formulated a number of strategies.

He said under the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRSP), the government is committed to providing and improving basic infrastructure including roads, electricity and telephone facilities.

He commended CEDEP for its initiative and support for the region.

Mr Mogtari expressed the hope that the programme will achieve the desired goal of developing local capacity for community resources and leadership development.

He urged beneficiary communities to participate fully in all activities related to the programme and to demonstrate transparency, accountability, ownership and management of projects.

The Executive Director of CEDEP, Mr Edward Ntifo-Siaw, pleaded with the people of the region to be united to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.

He said CEDEP’s presence in the region is to demonstrate that NGOs can work in collaboration with the government so that the limited resources available can be harnessed for the effective socio-economic growth of the country.

On his part, the Programme Manager in charge of the Northern office of CEDEP, Mr John Yelevielbarie, said since 1995, the NGO has spent ?2.7 billion on various development projects in the region.