Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader in Parliament, has reiterated the government’s strong commitment to rural development, describing it as central to national growth and poverty reduction.
He said agriculture remained the backbone of rural economies and, for that reason, government interventions were focused on crop production, livestock and poultry development, irrigation, and the strengthening of agri-business value chains.
“Our major focus has been the development of agriculture because we know that the economy of our rural communities is tied to agriculture,” he said.
Mr Ayariga added that the government was committed to promoting large-scale commercial agriculture to boost food production, create jobs and reduce the country’s heavy dependence on food imports.
The Majority Leader, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, further highlighted reforms in the management of the District Assemblies Common Fund as a key demonstration of the government’s dedication to local development.
He noted that under the current administration, 80 per cent of Common Fund allocations were now paid directly into the accounts of district assemblies.
“This has ensured that more resources are available at the local level to create jobs, stimulate economic activity and reduce poverty,” he said.
He added that five per cent of national revenue was currently earmarked for rural development through the Common Fund and called for future increases to enable district assemblies to play a stronger role in driving development.
Touching on education and health, Mr Ayariga said no school had failed to reopen due to lack of food since the administration assumed office.
He also noted that the prompt payment of claims to the National Health Insurance Authority had helped ensure that patients were not turned away from health facilities due to inability to pay.
On infrastructure, he assured the gathering that feeder roads, educational facilities and other social infrastructure remained high on the government’s development agenda.
Mr Alamzy Billa Nikyema, Member of Parliament for the Chiana-Paga Constituency, commended the chiefs and people of Sirigu for maintaining peace over the past 10 years and urged them to sustain the atmosphere for continued development.
He pledged to continue advocating for development projects in the area, adding that youth development was critical and that efforts would be made to create more opportunities for young people.
The Azuko Festival, celebrated in honour of the founder, Azuko, also coincided with the 10th anniversary of the enskinment of Naba Atogumdeya Roland Akwara III, the Paramount Chief of the Sirigu Traditional Area.
Naba Akwara III commended his people for the prevailing peace and stability and urged them to demand their fair share of development, calling on government to ensure that the area was adequately developed and livelihoods improved.
The event, which brought together traditional leaders, community members and dignitaries, formed part of activities marking a decade of leadership by the Sirigu Naba and was celebrated under the theme of unity, development and cultural heritage.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali /Audrey Dekalu
Dec. 31, 2025
Photo caption: BLG SOCIAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT
