Sandema (U/E), Dec. 23, GNA - Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Monday reiterated the need for the electorate to appreciate the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Government's efforts in introducing pro-poor policies for Ghanaians by renewing the Party's mandate in the December 28 Presidential Election Runoff.

He explained that it was only the NPP Government that had introduced better pro-poor policies, which were making positive impact on the lives of Ghanaians.

Alhaji Mahama made the call when addressing Chiefs and People of Builsa Traditional Area at Sandema in Upper East Region. He cited the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS); Capitation Grant; School Feeding Programme; Metro-Bus system; upgrading of Senior High Schools especially in the Northern Regions of the country, and upgrading of Bolgatanga Hospital to a befitting status. Alhaji Mahama noted that the NPP Government was more committed to the development of the North with the establishment of the Northern Development Fund (NDF).

He said Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, NPP Presidential Candidate, had indicated that under his administration one billion dollars would be added to the NDF.

This, he noted would help to quicken the pace of development in the area and to bridge the gap between the North and the South. Alhaji Mahama said recently NPP Government approved a loan of 100 million dollars to help to improve agriculture in the three Northern Regions, and said another loan had been secured by the Government to construct a dam at Pwalugu in Talensi-Nabdam District in Upper East Region.

"I have not only come here to campaign but to tell you the real truth about development brought by the NPP Government," he stressed, and appealed to the electorate to renew the Party's mandate to continue with its good policies."

Alhaji Mahama said he was optimistic that NPP Government would retain power, although most supporters were complacent and did not come out to vote on December 7.

He advised Ghanaians especially the youth not to allow themselves to be used to cause violence during the runoff and appealed to them to take a cue from the effects of violence in Sierra Leone, Liberia, cote d'Ivoire and other parts of the world.

Mr Alhassan Samari, Upper East Regional Minister, said NPP Government had released money for the expansion of the Sandema market, adding that it would not be relocated.

Mr Ayieta Azantilow, who spoke on behalf of the Regent of Builsa Traditional Area, Nasong-Naa Alexis Tampuri, prayed that God should guide the electorate to come out massively to make a good choice on December 28.