Han (UWR), Jan. 2, GNA- A divisional chief of the Kansaw traditional area in the Jirapa Paramouncy, has appealed to the Jirapa Naa, Chief Ansole Ganaa II and the government to take steps to elevate some of the divisional chiefs to paramountcy status.

He explained that the Jirapa traditional area has eight divisional chiefs with the Jirapa Naa as the only paramount chief, which he noted had not given a bigger voice at the regional house of chiefs. Naa Salifu Dakurah, chief of Han made the appeal at the maiden celebration of the Tinmaal-Lammu festival of the chiefs and people of the Kansaw traditional area at Han on Monday. The forum is meant to unite the people, especially the youth and also discuss development and other issues that were inimical to the overall development of the people.

Naa Dakurah said he was happy with the peace and co-operation among the people and urged them to maintain it.

He said the health status of the people had also improved due to the National Health Insurance Scheme, which enabled them to get prompt treatment at hospitals and heath centres.

He was not happy about the poor crop production last year due to drought and called on the government and the international community to assist with food to mitigate the sufferings. He appealed to the government to extend electricity to some communities in the area to encourage cottage industries to benefit the people.

Naa Dakurah urged the Jirapa/ Lambussie District Assembly to complete the abandoned police station project to help stem the random armed robbery, smuggling and other crimes. He also called on the assembly to consider fencing the Han market to help generate more revenue.

Mr George Hikah Benson, Upper West Regional Minister, who graced the occasion, gave the assurance that the raising of some divisional chiefs to paramount status would be pursued.

On the police station, he said it was government's intention to provide security to the people and to maintain law and order in the communities and tasked the assembly to do everything possible to complete the project.

Mr Benson assured the people that selected communities in the region would be provided with electricity this year under the Rural Electrification Project and that communities in the Han area would benefit.

He advised the people to stop bush burning, which destroy farms as well as high-tension poles and the environment. Mr Edward Salia, Member of Parliament for Jirapa, who chaired the forum, called for unity and peace in all the communities in the area to enhance development. 2 Jan 08