ROPAB would enhance democracy - Kufuor

Wassa Akropong (W/R) March 6-GNA-President John Agyekum-Kufuor said the passage of the Representation of the People's Amendment Bill (ROPAB) would enhance the country' s democratic development.

He assured Ghanaians that the act would not destroy the democratic vision and progress of the country.


These were contained in an address read on behalf of the President by Mr. Joseph B. Aidoo, Western Regional Minister at a durbar to round off the annual Krokoboman Akwantukesee festival of the Chiefs and People of Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area at Wassa Akropong at the weekend. President Kufuor said ROPAB was in the best interest of Ghanaians living within and outside the country and urged traditional rulers to make peace, unity and development of their respective areas their priority.


He reminded parents to take advantage of the Capitation Grant and send their wards to school because the future of the nation depends on them and to endeavour to register for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enable them to obtain quality health care.


On the Bird Flu menace, President Kufuor asked the people to report signs of the disease for the necessary action to be taken and advised the people against taking dead birds found on farms home.

He announced that he has donated a carton of schnapps and five million cedis towards the festival and the Kasapreko Education Foundation. In a welcoming address, Kasapreko Kwame Bassanyin III, appealed to the Ministry of Health to post more medical doctors and paramedical staff to the Wassa Akropong Government Hospital and the Asankrangwa Hospital to ensure efficient health delivery in the area.


He commended the government for implementing development projects in the area including the construction of Manso Amenfi-Asankrangwa road, upgrading of the Amenfiman Senior Secondary School.


Kasapreko Bassanyin advised the people particularly the youth to abstain from sex until they get married to prevent HIV/AIDS from spreading because the nation is counting on them to sustain development. While speaking on the theme of this year's festival "Initiating Community Based Development Projects", Kasapreko Bassanyin urged chiefs in the area to undertake development project to better the lot of their people.


Among the gathering at the durbar were Nana Kwabena Nketia, Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area and Mr. Peter Mac Manu, National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).