Mr Abanga Abdulai, a 38-year-old Management Accountant of the Millennium Challenge Accounts (MCA), nominated by President John Agyekum Kofuor as Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bawku was on Thursday confirmed by the Assembly. He polled 44 out of the 47 votes cast by the members. Mr Abdulai expressed his appreciation to the members for voting him to become the MCE and pledged to work hard to move the development of the area forward. He explained that his major priority would be to help resolve the fragile peace in the municipality saying, without peace no development could take place and appealed to the members to rally behind him to help resolve the communal violence. The MCE said under his administration he would initiate an open door policy where all suggestions and views pertaining to the development of the municipality would be taken into consideration. Mr Abdulai said he would support and expand government initiatives including the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), School Feeding Programme, Capitation Grant among others. “Agriculture and Education will be some of my top priorities and I will ensure that these areas are effectively and efficiently expanded and improved to enhance the living standard of the people”, he stated. He explained that Bawku had a lot of revenue sources and when properly tapped, could help develop the place and noted that he would adopt innovative initiatives to ensure that revenue mobilization was done effectively without leakages. “I will ensure that nobody diverts revenue meant for development into his or her pocket”, he emphasized. He was sworn into office by Mr. Alex Owusu-Ofori, a circuit court judge at Bawku. The election was conducted by the officials of the Regional Electoral Commission (EC). Before the election, Mr Alhassan Samari, Upper East Regional Minister, told Mr Abdulai that as the MCE the fortunes of the municipality rested largely on his initiative and personal drive. He stated that the recent flood that hit the area and the communal violence that erupted also in the area demanded strong leadership to deal with them. The Minister commended the MCE and urged him to work assiduously to help restore peace in the Bawku Township to pave the way for development. The Members of Parliament (MPs) for the area were in attendance to support and witness the occasion. They were Mr Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central, Mr. Mark Anthony, MP for Binduri and Mr Akunye Simon, MP for Pusiga. Other dignitaries included the Upper East Deputy Regional Minister Agnes Chigabatia. In another development, Mr Desmond Bugbilla, a 32–year-old Accountant, was also confirmed as the District Chief Executive for Bawku West. He polled 38 votes out 43 votes cast. GNA