Sandema: The Sandem-Nab Azaksuk Azantilow II, Paramount Chief of the Builsa Traditional Area in the Upper East Region, has expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for appointing Dr. Clement Abas Apaak as Deputy Minister of Education. Dr. Apaak, a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Builsa South Constituency, was nominated by President Mahama as Deputy Minister-designate for Education. The MP has since been vetted by Parliament's Appointments Committee and awaits approval and subsequent swearing-in to office by the President.
According to Ghana News Agency, Nab Azantilow expressed his gratitude at his Palace in a speech read on his behalf when Mr. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Regional Minister, visited to seek his blessing and support to effectively deliver on his mandate. The Paramount Chief noted the significance of having one of their own in a ministerial position, highlighting it as a moment of pride for the Builsa Traditional Area.
In addition to expressing gratitude, Nab Azantilow reminded President Mahama to fulfill his promise to appoint Mr. James Agalga, MP for the Builsa North Constituency, if constituents retained his seat in Parliament. He also urged the Regional Minister to address stalled projects in the area, such as the Chuchuliga-Sandema-Wiaga-Weisi road and the Nursing Training College project in Sandema.
Nab Azantilow highlighted the need for operational facilities at the Sandema Hospital, which lacks a functioning mortuary and an x-ray machine, and mentioned the transportation and accommodation challenges faced by Senior High Schools in the area. He appealed for the establishment of an Agricultural College to support the rice valleys in the Builsa South District.
In response, Mr. Atanga assured the Chiefs and people that President Mahama's government would ensure equitable development in the Builsa land. He addressed concerns about road traffic accidents on the Navrongo-Chuchuliga stretch, assuring that necessary signages would be placed to guide traffic. The situation had caused unrest among the youth, prompting Mr. Atanga to call for calm and assure them that their concerns were being addressed.
