Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, Northern Regional Minister has shared President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo led government development agenda with the Northern Ghanaian Community in America.
Pishigu-Lana Dr Alhassan Andani, Chairman of the Dagbon Development Fund (DDF) also made a presentation on the Fund and the developement agenda initiated by the Chiefs of Dagbon led by Ndan Ya-Na Mahama Abukari II.
The Regional Minister therefore urged the the Northern Ghanaian Community in America to take advantage of the government programmes and policies to partner with local and international companies to invest in the Ghanaian economy.
The two made their remarks at a forum preceeded to celebrate the Second Anuual Damba Festival organised by the Northern Ghana Diaspora Community in New Jersey and hopeful that Ghana will build back much more strongly as the country seeks to overcome her eco omic challenges.
The celebration which was on the theme: “Repositioning Dagbon for Accelerated Development: The Role of Dagombas in the Diaspora” brought together the Northern Ghanaian Community from all parts of tge United States to showcase their culture and tradition.
Alhaji Shani Shaibu said the policies and programmes implemented by the government have taken roots, grown, and are now bearing fruits and that some key initiatives undertaken by the government in line with its promises to enhancing Ghana’s socio-economic growth, encompass the ‘Free Senior High School (SHS)’ policy, ‘One District, One Factory (1D1F)’ project, National Digital Property Addressing System, and focus of economic policy from taxation to production.
He urged the Ghanaian Community to focus on the promotion of Agricultural, Waste Management, Real Estate and other sectors that would boost Ghana’s economy and development, especially, Agro processing as it remains the major business in the Northern regions.
The Minister also acknowledges the benefits and the economic boost of the remittances of Ghanaians in the diaspora send back home to their families and friends and thank them for their support back. home.
Pishigu-Lana Naa Dr Andani task the Northern Community on the need to reposition themselves by investing and strengthen their family ties financially back home in order to benefit Dagbon.
He use the occasion to educate Dagbon natives on their role as Dagombas in the Diaspora and how the DDF is a robust financial management system put in place with the appropriate governance structures to oversee the development od Dagbon.
Pishigu-Lana Dr Andani said the objective of the DDF is aimed at strengthening the economic and social cohesion in Dagbon by correcting intra-Dagbon imbalances between communities and the rest of the world.
He revealed that the fund is partnering government, the Northern Development Authority, the private sector and other international development partners to: Rebrand and repackage Dagbon Chieftaincy institution to become a major vehicle for development, Mobilize funds and manage them prudently for Dagbon traditional area, Make Dagbon a competitive economic area including financing infrastructure linked notably to research and innovation, Agriculture, Telecommunition, Environment, Energy and Transport, Advocate, and pursue sustainable development of Dagbon in line with the Sustainable Development Goals”.
“It is also to increase gender equity and women empowerment for total transformation of Dagbon, Advocate to increase access to quality education at all levels, Promote Peace Building and Cultural rejuvenation, Support Social Protection, Take action for environmental protection, set up a team of experts to agree on the principles of DDF to guide the mobilization and use of funds and any other activity determined by the DDF General Assembly or Board of Directors”.
Naa Bakpem Kar-Naa who stood in for Ndan Ya-Na Abukari II in this year’s Damba festival stressed the need for Dagombas in the Diaspora to look for strategic investors/partners to invest in Dagbon in the area of Agriculture, which is the major occupation in the North.
On the part of Education and Health, Kar’ Naa Nantogma implored them to laise with international non-Governmental Organisation and Philanthropic Organisations for assistance at complimenting government efforts to providing Community Clinics, Day Care Centers and portable drinking water for deprived communities.
Kar Naa Nantogma said: “As ambassadors of Ghana and Dagbon, behave yourselves and live exemplary lives and guide against temptation “.
He was also tasked by Ndan Ya-Na to crown Alhaji Mahamadu Yelzoli, an illustrious son of Dagbon as the Dagomba Chief in the USA and to witness the launch of the DDF.
Alhaji Alidu Andani, Chairman of the occasion called on natives of Dagbon in the United States to promote the culture, tradition and history of Dagbon to the International Community.
This he said can be use as part of efforts to foster peace and unity among the Northern Ghana Diaspora Community in the United States and other parts of the World.
The Northern Ghanaian Community in Jersey City said the development of the Northern Regions was a top most priority on their agenda.
They expressed appreciation to Naa Dr Andani and the Regional Minister and thanked them for having Dagbon Development and Ghana at heart.
Source By Amadu Kamil Sanah, GNA