Kufuor charge assemblies to prevent conflicts

Ashaiman, Feb 29, GNA-- The newly created Ashaiman and Adenta Municipal Assemblies were on Friday inaugurated with a call by President John Agyekum Kuffour on district assemblies and district security committees to put in measures that would assist in conflict prevention in their areas of jurisdiction.

The two assemblies, which were included in the 31 newly created district and municipal assemblies through out the country, were inaugurated at separate ceremonies. The President in a speech read on his behalf by Madam Cecilia Dapaah, Minister of State, Water Resources, Works and Housing and Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, Minister for Finance and Economic Planning at Ashaiman and Adenta respectively said the increase in conflicts in various parts of the country was worrying. President Kufuor said the onus was on district assemblies and the district security committees to ensure the protection of life and property.

He urged leadership of assemblies to live in peace with representatives of the people as they all have a common goal of seeking the well-being of the people.

"You must recognize that the exercise of participatory democracy is not only critical for good governance and equitable development, it is imperative for conflict prevention, effective communication and social cohesion," President Kufuor said. He said a coherent local administration required team work and cooperation adding that district assemblies needed to work consciously to accommodate service provider. President Kufuor challenged the new municipal assemblies to develop appropriate infrastructures for their people adding that giving an assembly status, implied that a district's potential to develop and deliver modern and efficient services have been recognized.

Mr David Quaye Annang, Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) Chief Executive, promised that TMA would initially provide resources to support the two municipalities to take-off. He said in response to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment's directive, TMA had released GH¢ 30,000 each to the two municipal assemblies.

Mr Annang said the two assemblies would receive three pick-ups, a mini bus, skiploader, tractor, motor bike and one brush cutter each. He pleaded with the residents of Ashaiman to desist from vandalizing fire tenders and cooperate with the new Assembly to help change people's perception of the town.

Justice Dwamena Tawiah and Justice Francis Kobeah of High court at Tema sworn in 11 assembly members with four government appointees and four assembly members of Ashaiman and Adenta respectively into office. Nii Adjei Kraku II, Tema Mantse chaired the Ashaiman function while Most Reverend Dr Asante Antwi, Member of the Council of State chaired the Adenta ceremony. 29 Feb 08