By Amadu
Kamil Sanah, GNA
Accra, June. 21, GNA – Mr Mustapha Sanah,
Executive Chairman of Northern Ghana Aid (NOGAID), has urged the U.S government
to support the Northern Development Authority (NDA) to succeed in
implementing policies and programmes
that will reduce poverty in the North.
He said, the government’s inauguration of the
board of the NDA was a step forward in revitalising the stalled Northern
Development processes after the challenges of Savanna Development Authority
(SADA).
Mr Sanah was speaking at a farewell meeting
with Mr Robert Jackson, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, who is ending his duty tour
to Ghana.
He said “the special status of the North
in Ghana’s development process should be recognised in the government
development strategy,” adding that the NDA must enjoy a special attention
in the budgetary allocation made by government, as well as from the donor
community.
Mr Sanah expressed confidence in the board of
NDA indicating that Civil Society Organisations would continue to play an
active role in realising a better North for sustainable development.
He also commended Ambassador Jackson for his
bold stance against corruption and child trafficking in Ghana, saying, “we
enjoyed a good working relationship together during your stay and we shall
remember your boldness against corruption and child trafficking, child abuse
among others.”
Mr Jackson in his remarks assured NOGAID of
U.S continuous support for Ghana, especially the North, in the areas of health,
electricity and governance and said 12 CHPS compounds funded by the US
government would be completed by the end of this year in the Northern Region.
He also mentioned the rewiring of the Tamale
market project among others and pointed out the embassy’s interest in looking
at the Not Educated Apprenticeship Training concept in creating jobs for the
youth in Tamale.
Present at the meeting were; Ms Joy Searcie,
Director of democracy, rights and governance at United States Agency for
International Development and officials of NOGAID.
GNA