Even before he officially assumes office as the 45th northern regional minister, Mr. Salifu Saeed has already assured media houses in the region that his administration will made resources available to the media to enhance their work.
According to the minister, media plays a critical role in every democracy and the New Patriotic Party government under president Nana Akuffou Addo recognizes the importance of media.
Mr Saeed who is due to arrive in the region on Thursday to begin his official duties said his outfit will make time to visit media houses and interact with them. “I know the challenges some practitioners and media houses are facing and the little I can help I will offer,” a special assistant to the regional minister quoted his boss as saying during a meeting with journalists.
The special assistant, Mr. Abubakari Shani Bawumia briefed newsmen about the minister vision and how he will work and relate with the media in Tamale.He assured that there will no obstacles between his administration and the regional coordinating council and the media.
Mr. Bawumia pleaded with the media that the region is bedeviled with several security challenges and practitioners will help in addressing those challenges if they collaborate effectively with the Regional Security Committee (REGSEC). He told journalists that Mr Saeed’s administration is open for collaboration from all stakeholders in the region to enhance the livelihoods of the people in the region.
The minister’s focus, the special assistant said will be on agriculture which is dear to the heart of president Nana Addo. The sector he added is capable of creating several jobs for the teeming unemployed youth. Mr. Saeed will begin a four day tour visit to chiefs and religious leaders in the northern region from Thursday.
Mr. Saeed who was the former Nanumba North District Chief Executive (DCE) also assured that he will work hard to close what has become known in the region among media practitioners as the NDC and the NPP journalists. He said, even though some journalists may have their prefer political parties but that should not override their professional conduct.
Four day tour regional tour
Taking a clue from previous ministers, the minister has outlined a four-day visit to identify key persons who in his view will help him discharge his duties effectively.
His first visit will take him to the Gulkpe Naa at . 11:00am, Courtesy call on Tamale DAKPEMA NAA at 11:40am curtsey call on Tamale BUGLA 12 :30pm, courtesy call on BANVUMLANA 12:50pm, courtesy call on LAMASHEINAA 1:30pm, courtesy call on SAGNARI NAA 2:30pm. On Friday, the minister will call on AHMADIYYA MUSLIM MISSION IN TAMALE and the leadership of AMBARIYA as well as SHEIKH Ibrahim Basha at Masjidul Bayan (AFA BASHA) and the regional CHIEF IMAM 12:00pm. At about 3:00am on Friday, the minister will call on Christian council of churches and the ARCHBISHOP OF TAMALE.
The minister itinerary for Saturday will include courtesy call on YAGBONWURA and GONJA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL, held meeting with party officials.
He will also pay a Courtesy call on NAYIRI of the Mamprugu kingdom on Sunday 26/02/2017 The minister is expected to roundup his tour on MONDAY 27 February where he will pay a courtesy call on REGENT of DAGBON and stakeholders as well as party officials. He will move to Nanumg and pay courtesy call on the NANUMBA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL, CHIEFS and PARTY OFFICIALS. His final leg of the tour according to the minister special assistant will be at WULENSI.
who is the new minister is
Mr Salifu Sa-eed is 43 years old, and holds a Masters in Development Management from GIMPA, and also a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Development Studies from the University of Development Studies, Tamale.
He holds a certificate in Peace and Conflict Prevention and Management from the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).
He has been the Chief Executive Officer of Africa Commodities and Logistics Company Limited from January 2012 to date; was the Co-director of Savannah Integrated Rural Development Aid from January 2009 to December 2011; and under the government of President of former Kufuor, he served as District Chief Executive of the Nanumba North District Assembly from May 2005 to February 2009.
He was a member of the NPP Manifesto Committee on Infrastructure and a member of the 2016 transition team member on the Communications sub-committee.
He is married with one child.