After about two hours of responding to series of questions from members of the Appointments Committee, Minister- designate for the Upper East Region, Albert Abongo boldly told the committee that he was tired.
Mr. Abongo, who looked stressed after answering many questions with some being repeated told the Chairman of the Committee and Second deputy Speaker of Parliament, Ebo Barton Oduro that “I’m tired, Mr. Chairman.”
This remark forced the Minority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu to ask the nominee whether he was mentally or physically tired.
Construction of dams
Responding to a series of questions yesterday, the Minister-designate stated that one of the challenges facing the region was the inability to farm all year round due to poor weather conditions and thus suggested the need to construct dams and water bodies for irrigation purposes.
He added that building these dams would be one of the areas to focus on for development of the region, especially to create jobs for the youth.
Mr. Abongo noted that during the dry season, the youth migrate to the south for greener pastures and sometimes do not return but in order to stop or reduce this menace, there is the need to create these dams for irrigation purposes during the dry season for all year round farming.
Touching on industries in the region, the nominee, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bongo in the same region said there, is the need for a new approach to revamping the Pwalugu Tomato factory.
STX Deal
Responding to questions on the infamous Korean STX housing project, the Bongo MP, a former Minister of Water Resources, Works and housing who initiated the deal expressed regret the project could not materialize.
Mr. Abongo noted that the project would have reduced the country’s housing deficit significantly but the abrogation of the contract has caused the nation some money in terms of his time and other resources.
He noted that he could not quantify the monetary loss adding that he doesn’t remember paying any company in relation to the STX deal.
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