THE cultivation and smoking of Indian hemp is uncharacteristic of the Upper West Region, says the Regional Minister, Mahmud Khalid.
Speaking during courtesy calls on the paramount chiefs of Wechiaw and Dorimon in the Wa West District, Kaleo and Daffiama in the Nadowli District, to introduce himself to them, he said the war against poverty could not be won through the cultivation of Indian hemp. He advised the people to stop it and rather go into the cultivation of mango, cashew and other crops.
Mr Khalid urged the chiefs to champion the crusade against the cultivation and smoking of Indian hemp, saying “smoking of Indian hemp would ruin the lives of the youth”.
The regional minister advised the people against excessive consumption of 'akpeteshie' and urged them to engage in more profitable vocations.
Mr Khalid called for co-operation and support from traditional rulers to advance the region's development agenda.
He said the reduction in fuel prices, increase in capitation grant and the decision to provide free school uniforms were laudable educational policies for effective teaching and learning in schools and urged the people to take advantage of them to send their children to school to enable them.
The Wechiaw Naa, Imoro Nandom Gomah, pledged his support and that of his people for the regional minister and appealed for the creation of a traditional council for the area to facilitate development.
The Doriman Naa, S.D. Gore II, called on the government to ensure prompt release of bursaries to government assisted second-cycle institutions to avert the rampant closure of schools for lack of funds.
That, he explained, would help enhance effective teaching and learning in the schools.
The Sombo Naa of the Kaleo Traditional area and the Daffiama Naa, Dr. Banka and Naa Dikomwine Domalea respectively, pledged their support for the minister in his declared fight against poverty in the area.