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President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a comprehensive development plan for the Savannah Region, with economic transformation as the long-term solution to maintaining stability in the area.
It will include the construction of a 300-bed regional hospital in Damongo, annual road construction targets of 10 kilometres per district, the establishment of a University College of Agriculture and Technology, and other youth employment programmes.
The President revealed the government’s plans for the region during a courtesy visit by the Gonja King, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, to the Jubilee House in Accra last Tuesday.
President Mahama commended the Gonja Kingdom's record of maintaining peace and said: "The stability in Gonjaland shows what is possible when traditional leadership and development priorities align".
"From Bawku to Nkwanta and beyond, we must choose dialogue over violence and unity over division," he said, adding that sustainable development depended on lasting peace.
"When we see each other as brothers and sisters rather than adversaries, when we view our diversity as strength rather than weakness, then and only then can we build the Ghana we all want,” the President said.
For his part, the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale, appealed to President Mahama to expedite efforts in delivering potable water to communities in the region, and also resume the stalled construction of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs' office.
"We are grateful for the assurance that advanced plans are underway to address these pressing issues, but we now humbly appeal for expedited action to ensure the timely delivery of potable water to our communities.
"We humbly appeal for your support to re-engage the contractor to resume work on the office as soon as possible," he said.
The Yagbonwura further emphasised the importance of peace in national development, pledging the commitment of traditional leaders to maintain stability in their respective jurisdictions.
"As you travel across the nation to fulfil your social contract with the people, we recognise that peace is a cherished commodity.
“Development thrives where peace reigns, and we, as traditional leaders, pledge to do our part in preserving peace," he gave an assurance.
