Ministry to introduce competitions in cleanliness

Koforidua, Feb. 8, GNA - The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, on Tuesday said he would introduce a competition on environmental cleanliness among District, Municipal and Metropolitan assemblies to promote environmental sanitation. He said the assembly which would win the award would be given financia= l reward to finance development projects.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said this when members of the Eastern Region Queens' Association presented a Kente cloth and a pair of traditional sandals to hi= m at a farewell ceremony in Koforidua.

He advised the Queens to champion the fight against the HIV and AIDS pandemic in the area and to lead in the care and support for People Living with the disease. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo appealed to them to support the promotion of girl-chil= d education in the region and promised to support the association to acquire an office and office equipment to help strengthen their administration. Nana Ansah Sasraku, Mamfihene, advised the Queens to have courage to advice chiefs whose activities are not promoting peace in their areas. He said traditionally the Queens are the 93mothers of the chiefs" a= nd they should therefore step in to give peaceful and motherly advice which could always help reduce conflicts.

The Queens, led by their general secretary, Baafour Oponwaa II, Krontihemaa of Akwamu Traditional Area, expressed their appreciation to the support given them by Mr Ofosu-Ampofo when he was the Regional Minister and assured him of their continuous prayers for him to succeed in his new appointment.