President John Evans Atta Mills has assured the chiefs and people of the Volta Region that they can and must expect their fair share of national resources from his administration. He said the ruling party made a number of promises to the people of the region and was hopeful that all those promises would be fulfilled. “We are mindful of the promises that we have made, and these are achievable promises. We made these promises because we think that the people of the Volta Region deserve better.” President Mills who was speaking at a grand durbar of the chiefs and people of the region at Ho on Saturday as part of a three-day official visit, said specific targets to construct roads and improve agriculture in the region, among other promises, would be delivered. He was grateful for the support the people of the region have given the National Democratic Congress government, and particularly for giving him ‘a galaxy of talents’ to serve in his administration. “If you examine members of my government, you can see that the Volta Region is very well represented. I have confidence in members of my government and my only appeal is that let us all join hands as one people with a common destiny and work to build a better Ghana not only for ourselves, but for our children, and our children’s children.” President Mills said Ghana needs peace and stability, and the people must therefore uphold such qualities and virtues that promote a good society. “Those virtues and qualities are openness, transparency, honesty and equality before the law. Describing the Volta Region as his ‘second home’, he said the people have always shown him encouragement and support, and assured them that he would not take their loyalty for granted. He also assured them that he was aware that the people had needs and concerns, “and that it is only fair and proper that you demand your fair share of the national cake.” President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Togbe Afede IV, who welcomed President Mills to the region, announced a five-year (2009 – 2014) $250 million Volta Development Plan, explaining that governance and development were shared responsibilities between the people and national leadership. He urged President Mills to work hard and make Ghana the first black African country to break into the circle of the developed world and give hope to the people. Story by Isaac Yeboah