Tamale, Jan. 11, GNA - Some residents in the Tamale municipality have expressed satisfaction about the performance of the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Saddique Boniface, for sustaining peace and unity among the people.

The residents who included some political leaders, heads of NGOs operating in the region and members of the public said the Minister had performed creditably and needed commendation.

They appealed to him to use his rich experience to improve sanitation in the municipality, provide employment opportunities for the youth and to improve health facilities.

Others appealed to him to work hard to find a lasting solution to the perennial water situation.

Speaking to the GNA in separate interviews in Tamale on Tuesday, Mr. Albert Atutiga, Regional Chairman of the Convention People's Party (CPP) said, "The Minister had proved to all of us in the region that he did not come to the region as an NPP Minister but as some one who had been called in to duty and to serve his people and the nation". Mr. Atutiga said some people in the region were of the opinion that a non-citizen of the area should be appointed due to the volatile situation but since the appointment of Alhaji Boniface many people; especially those on the other side of the political divide had now come to appreciate his administration.

Mr. John Opoku, Administrative Officer of the Christian Children's Fund of Canada (CCFC), a Tamale- based NGO said the Minister had worked hard to help sustain peace and unity among the people.

He said: "I have noticed that both NPP and NDC members in the region like the Minister due to his patience and good human relations and this has helped reduce the political tension in the area".

Mr. Opoku however, advised the Minister to listen to people who say negative things about him and try to correct himself.

Mr. Abdul Samed Seidu, acting programs Manager of RAINS, said ever since the Minister assumed power in early 2004, he had not heard from any side of the Dagbon factions or any political group who had said any negative thing about him due to his frankness and open administration. He said the Minister's contribution to development was not quantified in terms of the provision of physical structures alone but also in the promotion of peace, unity and understanding.

Others who spoke to the GNA advised the Minister to be wary of the people around him. 11 Jan 06