The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Northern Region is calling on chiefs in the three regions of the north to show commitment to the development of the area.
The party has also advised the chiefs to take stance on issues surrounding the operations of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA).
The NPP made the call at a press conference in Tamale.
The Regional Secretary of the party, Salifu Sule who addressed the press conference appealed to the chiefs to take keen interest in SADA, since its success will create employment for the youth in the regions.
According to him, “it was unacceptable for the chiefs to remain quiet in the midst of the gross mismanagement of SADA funds which was intended to bridge the development gap between the north and the south.”
Mr Salifu added the NPP wants government to set up an independent body to investigate the operations of SADA.
He commended the reconstituted board but was quick to add a word of caution saying, “avoid the pit holes the outgoing board couldn’t clear.”
SADA is an independent agency mandated by government to coordinate a comprehensive development agenda for the Norther Ecological Zone of Ghana.
Government in bid to establish a body that will spearhead the development agenda in the Northern part of Ghana, passed the SADA law (Act 805, 2010) and subsequently, the Authority was inaugurated to begin work to alleviate poverty in the north.
Reports from the media have revealed there was no accountability with regards to contracts awarded under the project to various companies and individuals, to facilitate the process of bringing salvation to the deprived beneficial regions.
Media reports also indicated that consultants were selected without due diligence leading to the loss of funds.