Volta citizens in government must represent region's interest - Chief

Ho, Aug. 31, GNA - Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli State and President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, on Tuesday called on politicians in government from the region to represent its best interest.

"Our people are of the firm belief that politics is not an end in itself and it is not enough to participate in elections or to see our people elected or appointed to various positions..., but see those we elected representing our best interest," he said.

Togbe Afede was speaking at a special general meeting of the House with Members of Parliament (MPs) and government appointees from the region.

"You must know that without the people and their support, there is no political party and if not for the people, you will not be in Parliament.

"Our chiefs and people do not want to be remembered only on elections and to grace occasions but be part of decision making," he said.

Togbe Afede therefore urged politicians from the region who would sacrifice the interest of the people for favours from their parties and central government risked being denied by the people during elections.

"Our chiefs do not want to be passive onlookers but work with the politician for accelerated development of the region," he said.

He drew government's attention to abandoned projects in the region and reminded it that a state funded university and the Eastern Corridor road were of crucial importance to the people in the region.

Togbe Afede pledged the unflinching support of the chiefs and people of the region to the MPs for a united, peaceful and a developed Volta Region.

Mr Joseph Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister, said the non-attendance of some MPs were due to the Atiwa by-election and said all government appointees and MPs from the region were more than committed to help develop the area.

"We are committed to projects initiated by our chiefs and cannot take our traditional leaders for granted," he said.

Mr Amenowode said the promise of a state funded university in the region was on course and that the university would become operational on or before September 2011.

Mr Kofi Humado, MP for Anlo and Chairman of the Caucus of Volta MPs, apologized for the poor attendance and assured that MPs from the region would be vital stakeholders in ensuring its development.

He recommended frequent meetings of MPs and chiefs in the region to better plan its development.

During an open forum, Mr Joe Gidisu, Minister of Roads and Highways, said the Eastern Corridor road would be completed by the end of the year.