President John Dramani Mahama says he is not deterred by the criticisms of the opposition, once it is clear his government is on track to fulfilling its promises to the people.
"The opposition can criticise, but I am determined to handle the affairs of the country and move it to another level," he said.
President Mahama was speaking at a durbar of the chiefs and people of Nalerigu in the East Mamprusi District in the Northern Region yesterday.
The durbar, held in his honour, was patronised by a large number of people.
It formed part of activities marking the President�s two-day official to the region.
Projects
President Mahama said in the relatively short period that his government had been in office, a number of development projects had been completed, while more were in progress.
Zeroing in on road projects, he stated that the government was investing about $1 billion in the sector in the next three years.
In the northern part of the country, he said the Buipe-Tamale asphalt overlay had been completed, while the Walewale-Gambaga-Nalerigu road project would be continued to Bunkpurugu and Nakpanduri.
He said the Tumu-Han road in the Upper West Region was also being tackled, while the Sawla-Fufulso road rehabilitation would soon commence to, among other things, provide easy access to the Mole National Park.
On electrification, President Mahama indicated that 500 communities in the Northern Region were being connected to the national grid, while, on water supply, he said Gambaga would soon have a new water project.
Touching on education, he said the Health Assistants Training School at Gambaga had been upgraded to a diploma-awarding institution, while the Gambaga Community College of Education had been absorbed into the public system.
He gave an assurance that additional infrastructure would be provided for the Health Assistants Training School at Gambaga.
Economic measures
President Mahama strongly defended the measures his government had adopted to stabilise the economy, saying that they were necessary because they would help address challenges such as inflation and interest rates.
Peace in the north
While calling for peace in the north, the President commended the Overlord of Mamprugu, Nayiri Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, for his tolerance and patience, even in times of provocation, which had helped to ensure peace in his traditional area.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Nayiri congratulated President Mahama on his victory in the 2012 elections and expressed the hope that his first term in office would bring prosperity to the nation.
Describing himself as a peacemaker, Naa Bohagu said he would continue to seek peace in his area.
The Member of Parliament for Nalerigu, Dr Albert Tia Sugri, said 33 schools under trees had been replaced with modern structures.
In attendance at the durbar was Alhaji Collins Dauda, the Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing and MP for Asutifi South, as well as some ministers and leading NDC figures from the region.
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