Naa Puowelle Karbo III, the Paramount Chief of the Lawra Traditional Area, has expressed concern about some stalled projects in the traditional area thwarting the development of the area.
The projects included the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) project at Tuma, the Dikpe Bridge, the Lawra Senior High School Assembly Hall complex, the Zambo Girls Senior High School, the Lawra Municipal Hospital Emergency Ward, and other infrastructure projects.
“It is regrettable to observe that these projects have not seen any progress by way of project implementation,” Naa Karbo III lamented.
Naa Karbo III expressed these concerns at the 46th Kobine Festival celebration by the Chiefs and people of the Lawra Traditional Area on the theme: “Recognising the impact of all NGOs and Development Partners in the Development of Lawra Traditional Area”.
The Kobine Festival is celebrated annually to thank the ancestors in anticipation of a good harvest and to recognise and show appreciation to the farmers for their efforts, determination and resolve in agricultural production despite the many challenges in the sector in recent times.
Government officials, representatives of Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) and scores of people from all walks of life including people from Burkina Faso graced the Kobine Festival celebration, which witnessed cultural performances and hunting expeditions by hunters in the area.
Naa Karbo III appealed to the government and the implementation agencies to expedite action to complete those projects for the benefit of the people.
He, however, commended the government for interventions that sought to drive the development of the country and the Lawra Municipality including the Gulf of Guinea Social Cohesion (SOCO) project.
He also described the District Roads Improvement Project (DRIP) as the “boldest decision ever taken in this country to promote economic development in rural areas.”
He prayed the equipment under the project would be managed with due diligence to derive the maximum benefit from it.
Naa Karbo III expressed gratitude to NGOs and development partners for their contributions to improving the livelihoods of people in the Municipality.
He said despite the many projects and interventions of the government to improve the living conditions of the people, it could not achieve much without the support of NGOs and development partners.
The revered Chief, however, stressed the need for effective coordination of the activities of the NGOs to maximize their overall impact on society.
In a message on his behalf by Mr Stephen Yakubu, the Upper West Regional Minister, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President, reiterated the role of NGOs in the development of the country.
Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), said NGOs, among other things, provided financial, technical, and logistical support to enhance the capacity of the public sector and improve public service delivery.
He said the government was committed to working harder to improve the livelihoods of citizens through interventions in the agriculture, health, education, and economic sectors of the country.
GNA
