Nandom, Ghana: Tribal King Edmund Nymindyem Delle Chiir VIII named Doc Reiss of Nor’Wester Rotary of Port Angeles, Washington, as Ma Lu Naa at a festival held on June 30 in the northwestern region of Ghana. “Naa” is the local language word meaning Chief. “Maa Lu” means Development.
The King has appointed Reiss to the position of development director for the tribal area covering 349 square kilometers located just south of Burkina Faso. Reiss began his duties by conducting a community assessment to determine various village needs.
Agriculture accounts for 85% of the area’s workforce, and the area is growing at a rate of 2.1% versus the national target of six percent per annum. Traditional farming methods are employed by over 75% of the local farms, and soil depletion is just one of the concerns facing area residents. Water availability in the off-rainy season is a significant concern, and many families do not have adequate sanitary toilets.
Reiss has said he will approach Rotary clubs and other entities for assistance to address community and area needs and is working with local and area government officials to determine what programs might be instituted to help the various areas.
King Edmund Nymindyem Delle Chiir VIII instituted his “100 Days Agenda” to begin the reformation of his homeland area and welcomed Reiss and other tribal and area chiefs for their assistance in the process.
