The chiefs and people of the Tumu Traditional Area have bestowed the title “Nandon-Tengeh” on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in appreciation of his love for Tumu in particular and Sissala in general.

At this year’s Paari Gbielle Festival of the chiefs and people of the Tumu Traditional Area, which President Akufo-Addo graced, Tumu Kuoro Richard Babini Kanton bestowed the title “Nandon-Tengeh” meaning “trusted and reliable friend” on the President.

He said within the short period that the President had been in office, he had demonstrated beyond all reasonable doubt that he had the Sissala Area at heart.

“You have always paid attention to our invitation to grace the climax of the Paari Gbielle Festival with worthy representatives,” he said.

“Today, you are the first sitting president to grace the occasion of the climax of the Paari Gbielle Festival.”

Kuoro Kanton appealed to the President to tar the Bolgatanga-Tumu-Wa road to enhance economic activities of the area.

The Sissala Area is the food basket of the Upper West Region but the road network linking the communities to Tumu is the poorest in the Region.

“Many of the communities have no access roads and the few motorable ones are in deplorable condition with broken down bridges and culverts making travelling on them very risky,” he said.

Kuoro Kanton appealed for rehabilitation of the Tumu-Chinchan-Nabugubelle and Tumu-Ping-Tasor roads.

He said the Bujan Bridge, which was constructed some years ago but yet to be completed, had become a hideout for armed robbers who terrorise travellers on that road.

He said the upgrading of the customs barrier to meet international standard would accrue revenue for the development of the country.

President Akufo-Addo, on his part, expressed gratitude to the chiefs and people for the honour done him.

He said: “The meaning of the title; ‘A Reliable Friend’ makes me a reliable friend of the Sissalas and a reliable friend to all Ghanaians”.

Source: GNA