The Nanumba Traditional Council (NTC) has expressed its readiness to collaborate with development partners and government to turn its agricultural fortunes around to improve the livelihood of the people.

The area, which is one of the major producers of yam in the Northern Region, does not get the required returns due to numerous challenges including; lack of storage facilities, and private sector investment.

Speaking in a telephone interview with the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday, Nyelinboligu Naa Yakubu Andani Dasana Abdullai, Regent of Bimbilla who is also the acting President of the NTC admitted that the occasional conflicts over the years had slowed down developmental projects in the area especially in the agricultural sector.

He said the year 2017 came with its own challenges, the most unfortunate among them being the valuable and innocent lives we lost due to our perceived difference.

“I am hopeful that the New Year will serve as a new and positive beginning that will come with renewed peace in the Nanung Kingdom,” Naa Dasana assured.

He added that the traditional council would work firmly with all stakeholders to ensure peace and stability in the area to enable businesses to thrive and boost the local economy.

The Regent appealed to government to establish a factory in the area as part of its ‘one-district one-factory’ industrialisation agenda to add value to the huge volumes of yam produced in the area by processing it into chips and flour for export.

He reminded the youth that the development of Nanung was one of their major duties and advised them to remain resolute, united and take advantage of opportunities including; the government ‘planting for food and jobs’ initiative to reduce poverty, create wealth and improve the livelihood of the people.

Naa Dasana commended the government for the swift response during times of insecurity and invited all stakeholders to support the area to address the many developmental challenges.