Hon. Dr. Hafiz Bin-Salih, the Upper East Regional Minister, has called on the Bolgatanga Local Council of Churches to pray for the leadership of the region.
“I believe in the efficacy of prayer and there is nothing prayer cannot do, only if you believe in God and pray fervently,” he said.
The Minister said this when he met leadership of the Council of Churches as part of his familiarization visits to relevant stakeholders to solicit support from them to propel development in the Region.
Hon. Dr. Bin-Salih said he was specially tasked to work towards ensuring peace and development in the Region, noting that “As human as I am, I will not be able to do so without your prayers, effective collaboration and support.”
He told the Council that except one, he had so far visited 16 Paramount Chiefs, and he intended to visit the last one this week to complete his courtesy calls on the 17 Paramount Chiefs in the region.
He said the reception he received from the Chiefs indicated that they were ready to support his course of leadership.
“Going round, I am satisfied with the reception I received and the pledge from the Chiefs, and with their support, I am sure that we will make the Upper East a better place,” he said.
The Minister, who chairs the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), reiterated his commitment to resolve the Bawku conflict, and called for intercessory prayers from the Council for the area.
Hon. Dr. Bin-Salih noted that despite the conflict, the region had great potentials, and was blessed with huge gold deposits to attract investors.
He used the opportunity to appeal to the Clergy to preach the “See Something, Say Something” mantra to their congregations so that they would volunteer information to the security agencies to prevent the infiltration of extremists from the Sahel Region.
Rev. James K. Awini, the Chairman of the Bolgatanga Local Council of Churches, assured the Minister of the Council’s support and prayers to enable him accomplish his vision.
He noted that the Bawku conflict had affected the lives and activities in the area, adding that congregations of various churches in Bawku had drastically reduced.
Rev. Awini said the Council would intercede for peaceful general elections on December 7, before, during and after the elections.
He appealed to the Minister to use his office to attract Specialist Doctors to the Regional Hospital and work towards the construction of an airport for the region.
Members of the Council at the end of the meeting, prayed for the Minister, the Chief Director and staff of the Regional Coordinating Council.
