Awal Visits Mosques, Palaces

Ibrahim Mohammed Awal in a pose with the Kunbun Naa Chief of Kumbungu Naa Iddrisu Abu, a one-time head of the Survey Department

Chiefs and imams in the Northern Region have reposed enormous confidence in the ability of the minister responsible for Business Development, Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, to deliver on the core goals and objectives behind the creation of the ministry.

The revered leaders expressed this optimism when the minister paid courtesy calls on them in their respective palaces and mosques in Tamale over the weekend.

The minister visited Tamale central mosque, Masjidil Bayan, the palaces of Dakpema, the Gulkpena-chief of Tamale, and the chiefs of Banvim and Vitting.

According to them, the minister comes to the sector with significant experience within the corporate sector and with a remarkable business acumen, which, they believe, would help him make significant contributions in the area of business development and in stimulating the overall development of the Ghanaian economy.

The leaders also thanked President Akufo-Addo for giving the minister the opportunity to serve in that capacity.

At the Gulkpena's palace, the Gulkpena Alhaji Alhassan Abdulai paid glowing tribute to the late father of the minister, whom, he said, lived beyond reproach at all times and called on the minister to emulate the good works of his late dad by remaining glued to the high poles of morality.

“I see you as a son not my minister and I advise you to be guided by the morally upright lifestyle of your late father and work to distinguish yourself as a successful minister,” the Gulkpena stressed.

He also urged Alhaji Awal to ensure that businesses in the north make good use of the opportunities that abound in the area, especially when the second phase of the Tamale international airport finally comes to fruition.  That, he said, would help in the fight against poverty in the area.

The chief of Vitting, Naa Ambassador Abdulai Yakubu, commended the minister for the visit and called on him to use his immense experience in the corporate sector to support businesses in the area.

The Bamvumlana, Naa Abdulai Mahama, was full of praise for the minister and said he had unflinching support of the people of the area.

He was hopeful that the minister would translate immense contribution he made to the development of Graphic Communications Group, where he served as managing director, to his new ministerial portfolio.

The leader of Masjidil Bayaan, Sheikh Ibrahim Basha, was elated seeing the minister and called on him and other ministers to work assiduously to help President Nana Addo to succeed, adding that “the success or failure of Nana Addo's government lies squarely on the shoulders of his ministers.”

The Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Abdul Salaam, thanked Nana Addo for nominating Awal as minister and called on the president to consider nominating more competent people from the area.

Hajia Rubaba Rabiu, queen mother of businesswomen in Tamale central market, who was present at the meeting with other industry players, pledged support to him to help realise the objectives of his ministry.

On his part, Mr Awal reiterated that the government of Nana Addo would remove tax regimes that are hindering the growth of businesses in the country.

According to him, the growth of business in the country would be crucial in propelling the economy of the country.

Engagement Of Local Business Within The Region

The minister stated that the development of businesses in the region was crucial to the development of the area, and he pledged the support of the government to propel the growth of businesses.

He called on businesses to form associations to make it easy for his ministry to work with them.

Alhaji Awal also called on the people of the area to embrace peace and at all times, adding that the development of the region was bigger than their individual ambitions.

“We are committed to see Ghanaian business expand and remain globally competitive. We, therefore, need a congenial atmosphere to translate this dream into reality. Without peace, without unity, all our efforts will be in vain,” the minister stressed.