Ghana has seen changes under Rawlings - Plan Director

Gyahadze(C/R), Oct. 20, GNA - Ghana has witnessed dramatic changes in many fields under President Jerry John Rawlings. Mr Martin McCann, International Programme Director of Plan International, a British Non Governmental Organisation was speaking at the commissioning of a school block, two urinals, and a 10-seater KVIP project at Gyahadze near Winneba, on Tuesday.

He advised the people to develop, "a stronger and unshakeable faith in the government to encourage it to do more for the nation." Plan International with 85 million Cedis while the community provided communal labour estimated at 17 million Cedis financed the project.

The school brings to 30 the number of such facilities constructed by the NGO in the Awutu-Effutu-Senya district since operations in the area eight years ago.

Mr McCann recalled "the pathetic situation in the country in 1978," when he lived in Ghana and said "stores and the markets are now filled with goods and not empty shelves."

Mr McCann praised the government for its support for rural health, education and water improvement programmes. Mr David Muthungu, Country Director of Plan in Ghana, attributed the successes of the NGO in the country to the excellent relations between the government and the organisation.

He expressed his appreciation for the communal spirit of the Chiefs and people of the communities Plan has projects and announced a credit facility to support the businesses of women.

Mr Kwabena Kyere, Deputy Minister of Education, who was the guest speaker, stressed the importance government attaches to education and advised parents and guardians in the area to take their children's education seriously.

He expressed the government's gratitude to the organisation for its invaluable contribution, which has been a great source of encouragement. Lieutenant Daniel William Osardu, District Chief Executive assured the donors of the District Administration's determination to provide effective supervision and maintenance of projects.