The North East Regional Minister, Hon. Ibrahim Tia, has called on traditional authorities to deepen their role in peacebuilding, describing stability as the single most critical ingredient for sustained development in the region.
He made the call while delivering a keynote address at the End-of-Year 2025 General Meeting of the North East Regional House of Chiefs, held at the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) Conference Hall in Nalerigu.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the RCC, Hon. Tia paid glowing tribute to the Nayiri and the chiefs for what he described as their “steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to peace, unity and development throughout the year.”
“Development can only thrive where there is peace. The calm and stability we continue to enjoy in the North East Region did not happen by chance; it is the result of strong collaboration between traditional authorities, government and our security agencies,” he said.
Tribute to Fallen Chiefs
The meeting observed a minute of silence in honour of three eminent traditional rulers who passed on during the year — Wulugu Naba J.S. Nabila, Paramount Chief of Kpasenkpe; Nakpanduri Naba David Kansuk, Paramount Chief of Nakpanduri; and Kpambeng Rana, Paramount Chief of Kpambeng.
Hon. Tia described their passing as a great loss to the region, noting that their legacies of leadership and service would continue to inspire efforts toward unity and progress.
Chiefs, Security Agencies Praised for Stability
The Regional Minister commended the Nayiri and all paramount chiefs for their collaborative role in conflict prevention and dispute resolution, particularly during periods of tension.
He also acknowledged the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the various security agencies for maintaining law and order despite emerging security challenges.
“The relative peace we enjoy today is a direct result of vigilance, cooperation and timely intervention. Our chiefs and security agencies have been exemplary, and government remains committed to supporting them,” he stated.
Big Push Projects Driving Development
Hon. Ibrahim Tia highlighted several major government interventions being implemented under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, stressing that they form part of the Reset Agenda and the GH₵20 billion BigPush Programme aimed at transforming the regional economy.
He cited ongoing road infrastructure projects, including the Misio Bridge and multiple township road upgrades, as critical to improving connectivity and economic activity.
In agriculture and industrialisation, he pointed to the completion of the Walewale Watermelon Factory and the establishment of a 30,000-metric-tonne modern rice mill at Janga, which together are expected to create over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs.
“These projects are not just structures; they are opportunities — for jobs, for value addition, and for economic empowerment of our people, especially the youth,” he noted.
Education and Health Sector Gains
The Regional Minister also outlined key achievements in education and healthcare, including the completion of the Gambaga College of Education campus, the upgrading of the Nalerigu Nursing and Midwifery Training College to degree-awarding status, the construction of a new District Hospital for Yunyoo–Nasuan, and the expansion of the Walewale Municipal Hospital with a Trauma and Emergency Centre.
According to him, these investments demonstrate government’s determination to improve human capital development and access to quality healthcare across the region.
Commitment to Complete Ongoing Projects
Hon. Tia reaffirmed government’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects, including the North East Regional House of Chiefs Office Complex, assuring traditional leaders that no initiative would be abandoned.
“This government does not start what it cannot finish. Every ongoing project will be completed for the benefit of our people,” he assured.
Call for Sustained Peace
In his concluding remarks, the Regional Minister urged chiefs to remain at the forefront of peace advocacy and conflict resolution, stressing that development gains could easily be reversed without stability.
“Peace must be protected at all times. Without it, our development efforts will be meaningless. I therefore urge our traditional leaders to continue being champions of unity, dialogue and harmony,” he said.
The meeting reaffirmed the critical partnership between government and traditional authorities in safeguarding peace and advancing development in the North East Region.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
