The Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA), has reiterated its call on government to carve a new region for Gonjas out of the present Northern Region, to ensure the effective administration of the area to enhance development.

The Association noted that, the region in its present form is very vast and made it difficult for administrators to effectively undertake their duties.

The GLYA made the call in a communiqué issued by Mr Dramani Dari, General Secretary of the association, at the end of its 36th Annual Congress held in Damongo at the weekend.

The occasion was on the theme: “Ensuring peaceful and credible elections in 2012, the role of Gonjaland youth”.

The communiqué also called on the government to effectively implement the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), to bring about the rapid transformation of the Northern Region and create jobs for the youth.

It also complained about the menace of Fulani herdsmen and the effects of deforestation.

The communiqué, also touched on effects of communal hunting on the environment and urged the district assemblies to put in measures to check the harmful practices.

It appealed to government, non-governmental and civil society organisations and other stakeholders to establish a reliable data bank to support individuals and corporate entities in Gonjaland to promote the development of the area.

On the upcoming general elections, the Association pledged to continue with its civic sensitisation programme to ensure peaceful co-existence before, during and after the process.**