By
Prosper K. Kuorsoh, GNA
Wa, June 24, GNA – UNICEF and the Italian
Embassy have been commended for their contributions to the development of Upper
West Region (UWR).
The two development partners’ contribution in
areas of maternal and neonatal health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH),
child protection, girl child education and health, have been recorded as the
most making an impact on the people.
Alhaji Sulemana Alhassan, the Upper West
Regional Minister, commended the partners in a speech read on his behalf by
Alhaji Abdulai Abubakari, the Regional Coordinating Director during a courtesy
call by Italian Ambassador Mr Geovanni Favilli and UNICEF Ghana Country
Representative Madam Anne Claire Dufay.
He appealed to the partners and their team of
investors to consider bringing more development to the region which is
described as an ideal destination for doing business.
The Minister said the region was very peaceful
and endowed with investment opportunities in areas of food crops, fruits,
animals, tourism and real estate development among others.
He said the government through its “One
District One Factory” initiative presented vast opportunities for the private
sector to take advantage and do business in the region.
He pledged the cooperation of the people for
any intervention that would lead to the improvement of the living conditions,
especially among children.
Madam Dufay said UNICEF and Ghana have signed
an action plan deal to accelerate development efforts of the government.
She named some priorities in the action plan
as being related to equity, inclusive growth, integrated early childhood
development, adolescents and young people as well as Water, Sanitation and
Hygiene.
She also praised managers of health facilities
in Upper West for their ability to generate internal funds and refurbish
structures in readiness to receive newborn care equipment donated by an Italian
private donor through UNICEF.
Mr Favilli said, though Ghana’s focus was on
growing beyond aid, many problems persisted which the government of Italy
remain committed in helping to address.
GNA