Mr Ernest Debrah, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister said on Friday that chieftaincy disputes have become the number one issue that threaten peace and security in the region and should be nipped in the bud.
He, therefore, charged the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) and the Regional House of Chiefs to find a lasting solution to the numerous protracted disputes, which often degenerate into violent clashes.
Opening the first ordinary meeting of the RCC at Sunyani, Mr Debrah said sustained development could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. "These disputes are seriously retarding development and the RCC should find a way to collaborate with the House of Chiefs to resolve them".
Mr Debrah also urged the district security committees to meet regularly to assess the security situation and report potential conflicts to the RCC for action.
He said the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has adopted measures to ensure adequate security including 24-hour snap checks on selected roads by joint police/army teams.
Mr Debrah said in order to enhance the work of the RCC members should become conversant with plans, programmes and activities of governmental and non-governmental organisations in the region.
He expressed concern about low education standards in the region, saying his recent tour of some of the districts confirmed this for which the RCC should take immediate action to reverse the trend.
He attributed it to inadequate trained teachers, text books and other facilities, including furniture. Mr Debrah announced that, henceforth, lumber seized from illegal timber operators would be used to manufacture furniture and repair school buildings.
He advised district assemblies to prepare special budgets for the provision of facilities in deprived schools. The assemblies should also sponsor the training of nurses and teachers so that they would come back to serve in the region.
Mr Debrah called for a concerted effort by chiefs and other opinion leaders, religious and non-governmental organisations to help check the spread of HIV/AIDS "because its impact goes beyond the lives of the affected people".
He announced that the RCC would soon initiate an agricultural project to offer employment to the youth and appealed to chiefs and other land owners to release land for the project.
Regional heads presented reports on the agriculture, health, water, education and security sectors.
The various district assemblies also presented reports on their activities and projections.
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