Peoples Assembly attracts hundreds

Sunyani (B/A), Jan. 16 GNA - The Golden Jubilee People's Assembly held at the Christ King Parish Hall in Sunyani attracted people from all walks of life who thronged the place either to catch a glimpse of President John Agyekum Kufuor or to ask him questions.

Although the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Kwamena Bartels at a press soiree on Monday said 50 people would be given the opportunity to ask questions, time did not permit the number as only 28 questioners had the chance to question President Kufuor.


Many of the anxious people, who had formed four long queues, had to go home disappointment written on their faces.


Those who had the opportunity asked questions that ranged from economics; politics; agriculture; social issues and most of many of which were answered by President Kufuor himself while others were answered by Ministers of State.


Those who gave answers were Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. He explained that the Government was still investigating the alleged killing of 44 Ghanaians by The Gambian Security.


Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, explained why salaries of some Government workers were not paid on time in December 2006. He said it was because the Controller and Accountant General's Department was shifting from the use an old computer software to a new one.

The Finance Minister said preparations were also being made to pay ex-workers of some defunct State-owned companies.


Others who also answered questions were Mr Bartels and Papa Owusu Ankomah, Minister of Education, Sports and Science.


Mr Thomas Fosu, a visually impaired farmer in Sunyani expressed concern about the rate at which the nation's forests were being depleted and wanted to know what plans the Government had taken to salvage the situation.


President Kufuor replied that the Government was aware of the situation and that everything possible was being done to solve the problem and urged all to help to preserve the forests for posterity.


Mr Yaw Brenyah, a teacher and an Assembly Member of Atoase in Sunyani, suggested to the Government to consider sponsoring at least one child of a teacher from junior secondary school to senior secondary school level to serve as a motivation to teachers to which the President answered that it would be considered.

Reacting to a question on what was being done to make Kintampo, which is geographically the centre of Ghana, to play a role in the country's 50th independence anniversary celebrations; President Kufuor said plans were underway by the Ministry of Tourism to develop the various tourist sites in the area to boost eco-tourism. A number of residents the Ghana News Agency (GNA) interviewed after the function commended the Government for initiating the programme but were quick to add that the time given to questions was too short. Many of them suggested that a whole day should be allocated for the exercise so that as many persons as possible could ask questions and express their views.


President Kufuor had earlier inspected a guard formed by a Military contingent from the Third Battalion of Infantry. Music was provided by the Central Army Band.


He also opened a photo exhibition mounted by the Brong Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council showcasing a number of development projects undertaken in the Region within the past six years under the Government of the New Patriotic Party.


The Parish Hall was decorated with buntings in Ghana's colours of red, gold and green. No party colours were seen.