He stated that peace was a pre­requisite for development, adding that his administration would work tirelessly to prevent conflicts in the area.

Speaking during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Com­mittee yesterday, Mr John said, “Nobody is happy when there is a problem anywhere, not only in the Northern Region. Promoting and maintaining peace will be my pri­mary focus because peace is very critical for development.”

To achieve this, he plans to collaborate closely with traditional authorities to prevent disputes, particularly chieftaincy-related conflicts.

“We will take security issues se­riously and hold periodic meetings with our revered chiefs to address the root causes of conflicts,” he stressed.

He added that his focus would be on conflict prevention rather than resolution, liaising with all relevant institutions to maintain lasting peace.

He expressed a desire to leave a legacy of harmony in the region, saying “One of the things I want to be remembered for is peace. I don’t want to see any conflict during and after my tenure.”

Addressing the kayayei menace the nominee also outlined mea­sures to tackle the migration of young girls and women, popularly known as kayayei, who travel to Accra for menial jobs.

He described the trend as dis­heartening and pledged to make the region attractive by equipping the youth with employable skills.

Mr John revealed plans to establish more apprenticeship programmes and training centres across the region.

“We will provide sewing ma­chines, hairdryers, and other tools free of charge and absorb the cost of skill training. This initiative will encourage the youth to stay in the region and engage in meaningful work,” he said.

The minister-designate added that financial support would also be made available to assist those interested in petty trading.

In furtherance, he stated that district assemblies would also be tasked with implementing these measures and encouraged those already in Accra to return home to benefit from the free training opportunities.

Responding to the question of how he planned to boost agricul­ture and infrastructure, Mr John also promised to focus on the sec­tor as a key driver of development in the region.

He pledged to ensure the smooth operation of mechanisa­tion centres, rehabilitate irrigation dams, and promote year-round farming.

“We will not rely on just one farming season. Irrigation dams will be opened, and road networks to farming communities will be improved to support farmers,” he assured.

Additionally, he pledged that all government agricultural policies would be implemented effectively to benefit the people.

The nominee also called for increased investment in the agricultural sector, promising to create a welcoming environment for investors to boost productivity and employment opportunities for the youth.

On social issues, he said he would collaborate with traditional authorities to reintegrate women accused of witchcraft into their communities.

He also revealed plans to ensure the proper functioning of CHPS compounds, improve and provide potable water for communities in the region.

Mr John assured that he would not be an “armchair” minister but would actively work to address the region’s challenges. “As a regional chairman of the NDC, I was not an armchair chairman, and I will not be an armchair Regional Minis­ter either,” he added.