Accra, July 30, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills, on Friday swore-in Alhaji Issaku Salia as Upper West Regional Minister.

The President charged the new Minister to work hard for the Region's development and ensure unity in the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

President Mills congratulated Alhaji Salia on his appointment, based on his track record as Member of Parliament and commitment to the party.

President Mills reminded the new Regional Minister that his appointment had come when the party had problems in the Region.

The President expressed the hope that Alhaji Salia would bring his experience as a unifier and style of leadership to bear on the unity of the party in the Region.

He asked the new Minister to involve all and sundry in his administration, adding "We are confident we have made a right choice".

Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Member of Council of State, who also hails from the Region, asked the Minister to help unite.

Alhaji Iddrisu said members of the NDC belonged to one family, and cautioned party members that "if we are divided, we are working our way out of power".

Alhaji Salia said he was humbled by the appointment, and the trust President Mills and the people in the Region had reposed in him.

He pledged to rally everyone to move the development of the Region forward.