The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboah (ESQ), has appealed to residents of the region to embrace unity, peace and love as the Christmas holidays are celebrated, stressing that sustained peace is essential for development.

Speaking in an interview with ABY on ‘Bus Mu Nkomo’ in Sompa Drive show at Sunyani, the minister Christmas and New Year message to the people of Bono Region,  expressed gratitude to residents across all 12 municipalities and districts for the support given to him during his first 10 months in office.

“I want to thank everyone in the Bono Region, including all the 12 municipalities and districts, for the support they have offered me over the past 10 months as Regional Minister,” he said.

The minister called on the people to live together with patience and love, and to pray for continuous progress in the region. 

He noted that peace remains a critical foundation for development, warning that conflict could divert scarce resources away from development projects.

“If we work without peace in our country and our regions, it will make development very hard. Resources meant for development could be redirected to maintaining peace, which will cause development to retrogress,” he cautioned.

He therefore urged residents to use lawful means to resolve disputes, emphasizing that Ghana’s laws are designed to ensure peaceful coexistence. 

“We have laws that govern everyone so that we can rule our country with peace,” he added.

Touching on development, the minister assured residents that all projects earmarked for the Bono Region would be implemented. 

He announced that from January, his office would begin inspecting development projects across the region to ensure they are progressing as planned.

“Any development projects meant for the Bono Region, I will make sure they happen. From January onwards, we will inspect all the projects one by one to ensure the region develops,” he said.

The minister also highlighted efforts to improve street lighting in the region, revealing that he had lobbied the Ministry of Energy for street lights, which have been distributed across districts and municipalities. 

He urged District Chief Executives (DCEs) to ensure the lights are installed and functional.

“To my DCEs, if I visit your district and there are no street lights, it means you have not fixed them,” he stated, adding that his administration remains focused and determined.

Politically, the minister expressed confidence in the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), saying the government’s performance would speak for itself ahead of future elections. 

He reiterated his support for President John Dramani Mahama, whom he described as a leader committed to national development.

The message concluded with goodwill wishes to residents of the region. “I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We pray that God moves us from grace to grace,” he said.
Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan