Vice Presidential Candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has called on the Chiefs and people of the Abutia traditional area to remain united for the area's development. He observed that the tremendous human and material resources of the area can best be utilized for the development of the area if the people choose the path of unity. The NDC number two-man, made the call at Abutia last Saturday, at the 10th anniversary celebration of the installation of the Paramount Chief, Togbega Abutia Kodzo Gidi V, at Abutia Teti. He said the whole essence of multi-party democracy is for all to work together for the betterment of the lives of the population. Mr. Mahama, who is also MP for Bole-Bamboi, in the Northern Region, lauded the Paramount Chief and his elders for the peace that the area has enjoyed over the years, and tasked them to continue in that stead. Other party stalwarts present included Francis Aggrey Agbotse, Member of Parliament for Ho West, Mark Woyongo, Parliamentary Candidate for Navrongo Central, Victor Smith, Aid to the vice presidential candidate, Emmanuel Bedzra, parliamentary candidate for Ho West, Regional Secretary of the party Francis Ganyaglo, and Mrs. Dzifa Attivor, a defeated parliamentary aspirant. For his part the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Mr. Kofi Osei Ameyaw said the theme for the celebration – Consolidating Unity and Development - is very relevant, and must urge the people on to greater heights. He said government was committed to equitable distribution at the country's resources for the development of the country, adding that the NPP will not discriminate in that direction. Mr. Ameyaw, who is also the Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman constituency in the Eastern Region, said his ministry will collaborate with the private sector to help the area's tourism potentials. The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Madam Elizabelh Ohene, Minister of Stale at the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, and also a native of the area. In his address, Togbega Abutia-Kodzo Gidi V called on the Ghana Education Service to speed up the completion of the various building projects in the senior high school for a better atmosphere for academic work. On the tourism potentials of the area, the Paramount Chief appealed to stakeholders in the sector to live up to expectation by exploring and investing in the tourism sites in making Abutia a very attractive destination in Ghana. Touching on the problems confronting the traditional area, the Paramount Chief said the greatest problem facing Abutia is the lack of adequate water supply. "We are therefore appealing to the government to help extend the pipe borne water from Sokode to Abutia to let us have sufficient portable water for our daily use", he said. The chairperson for the occasion, Mrs. Peace George, a native of Abutia, admonished the people to unite and work hard to uplift the area. Source: Enquirer