Bongo (UE), Jan. 21, GNA - People living in the three northern regions have been advised not to sell the small amount of food crops expected from their farms following the flood that hit the area last year, or expend them for funerals and merry making. Naba Baba Salifu Aleemyaarum, Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, made the call at the weekend during the celebration of the Azambene festival by the chiefs and people of Bongo in the Upper East Region.

He emphasized that if people in the area failed to exercise moderation in the performance of funeral rites and merry making, they could experience hunger during the lean season. "I will like to advise all and sundry to exercise moderation in the performance of funeral rites and merry making since we are yet to meet the hard times of the lean season", he cautioned. Naba Aleemyaarum said under his leadership the Bong Naba Endowment Fund (BEEF) was established last year, to complement government efforts to support needy but brilliant students.

He indicated that the Traditional Council had been able to curtail the rampant bush fires and soil erosion caused by some people in the area and commended citizens who were actively involve in the exercise. The chief appealed to government to tar the Bolgatanga-Bongo road, which had been abandoned, to help improve economic activities in the District. while commanding government for up-grading the Bongo Senior High School to a boarding status said the school had no accommodation for the staff and means of transport. "The Headmaster and the teachers of the school have to commute for long distance to school and this is affecting academic activities" the Bongnaba said. Naba Aleemyaarum also paid tribute to non-governmental organizations including the World Vision, Catholic Relief Services, World Food Programme, and UNICEF among others for supporting development projects in the District Mr Alhassan Samari, Upper East Regional Minister, urged the Bongo Naba and his elders to take advantage of the numerous pro-active policies put in place by government such as the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Capitation Grant, School Feeding Programme among others to promote education and to enhance their general standard of living.

He entreated parents to consider the education of their children as the most reliable investment as compared to large kraals of cattle. The Minister appealed to chiefs to use their platforms to advise politicians to desist from casting insinuations and using vulgar language especially during the forthcoming general election. 21 Jan. 08