Veep calls on chiefs to release lands to investors

Ekumfi (C/R), Sept. 10, GNA- Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama at the weekend urged chiefs to be considerate when negotiating with prospective investors in the acquisition of land for agricultural and light industrial purposes.

He also cautioned them against chieftaincy disputes, communal violence and land litigation, which he said bred insecurity and drove away prospective investors and also led to capital flight. Vice President Mahama was speaking at the annual Akwambo festival of the chiefs and people of Ekumfi Ekrawfo in the Mfantsiman East District of the Central Region, on the theme: "Voluntary Associations: Stakeholders in Community Growth."

"I want you to confront dispassionately the chieftaincy disputes that has brought misunderstanding into the Gyinokoma Division of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, to the extent that some of your kith and kin are not part of the celebration."

"You can only attract development when there is peace and stability. I therefore urge you to reconcile your differences," he said. Vice President Mahama commended the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission for its crusading role in providing schools for the area. He said it was not out of place for the Mission to go ahead and establish a university for Ekumfi.

Vice President Mahama said the Ministry of Education, Science, Youth and Sports would release funds for the construction of staff bungalows for the local senior secondary school, while the 2008 budget would make funds available for teachers' accommodation for some selected basic schools in the area.

He said works on the Esuehyia Junction to Ajumako road through Ekrawfo had been advertised for reconstruction. Mr Kuntu Blankson, Member of Parliament for Mfantseman East, said Government was rehabilitating water systems in the town to facilitate the free flow of water.

Nana Gyabeng VI, Omanhene (Paramount Chief) asked delegates of the ruling New Patriotic Party to nominate the Vice President as the flag bearer of the Party for Election 2008. 10 Sept. 07