Minister of Regional Cooperation and NEPAD appeals to Northerners and Ghanaians in the days leading up to the burial of the Ya Na.
Let`s all help!
Kofi Agyepong | Posted: Wednesday, March 22, 2006
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| Dr KK Apraku |
The Minister for Regional Cooperation and NEPAD, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, has issued an urgent appeal to the people from the Northern part of the country to bury their differences and forge a united front in the days leading to and after the burial of the late Ya Na, the overlord of Dagbon Traditional Area. "Their unity will not only bring peace but also promote the socio-economic development of the area," he told ADM. Speaking in an exclusive interview with ADM on the preparations towards the Ya-Na's burial and the NPP's withdrawal from the Tamale by-elections, Dr Apraku said the preparation for the burial of the Ya-Na should be seen as a step in the right direction and "every Ghanaian must contribute to the success of it." He noted: "If there is a problem in the Northern Region every Ghanaian, whether there or not will be affected." Dr Apraku pointed out that not only are the people of the Northern regions one people but are also bound by common problems and the same destiny; logically therefore, they are bound to live and work together to improve their lot.
He explained that, the marginalization of the North dates as far back as the colonial times and has contributed to the underdevelopment and the creation and entrenchment of poverty in the area.
He bemoaned the lack of industrial enterprises in the North to offer employment and stable incomes for the people and said this was the reason for the drift of the youth, especially young girls (Kayayei), from the North to the urban areas in the South to seek menial and demeaning jobs.
He called on educated and relatively well endowed people from the North to take active interest in issues which adversely impact on the development of the area and work actively together to reverse the negative trend.
He said: "It is up to those whose voices are heard in the North to help develop the area. They must speak well to the people and inspire them. We must let them know that though it is government's responsibility to help solve most of their problems, the government can not do that when there is no peace."
The Minister of Regional Cooperation and NEPAD observed that whilst differences are central to all ethnic groupings, the problems and challenges confronting the people of the North are such that only a united front of the people themselves can overcome them.
"It's not only the Northern Region that is plagued with troubles. There are troubles everywhere in the country, but the North seems to be eminent and if care is not taken, can cause havoc to the country," he added.
He called the Northern leaders as well as the educated elite of the North to show more interest in the unification efforts being promoted by President Kufuor.
On the NPP's withdrawal from the Tamale by-elections, Dr. Apraku who is also the MP for Offinso North said he is happy about the decision taken by the leaders of the party.
"This decision shows we are interested in the interest and well being of the people. People are saying many things about this decision, but we think it will let peace prevail", he said.
"The NDC can compete with anybody but it will never generate tension like they are competing with us". Dr Apraku noted that the "dirty politics" that the NDC wanted to play also contributed to the decision. ADM put this question to him: "Do you mean that any time the NDC plays 'dirty politics' the NPP would withdraw"?
Answer: "No, no, it will depend on the circumstances. There is going to be the burial of a great king like the Ya Na, so to prevent violent people in the NDC taking advantage of the elections, we decided not to play the game with them", Dr. Apraku said.
He added: "Every election is important to the NPP, but not elections that would cause people to die". Question: "Dr. are you not sure your party is not playing a gimmick so as to support Wayo Seini"? Answer: "No, we are not supporting him. If he wins its good for him, but for now we are not concerned with that but with peace.
The Offinso North MP pleaded with the people of Ghana's third largest city, Tamale, not to allow themselves to be deceived by any group of people to suit their parochial interests but exercise their franchise and elect someone they think can help the area develop.
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