Western Region can?t host NAFAC

Mr Joseph Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, on Saturday said the region will not be able to host the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) until the Regional Theatre Complex is completed.

Speaking at a meeting with newsmen in Sekondi, he said the President has been informed and more funds have been released for the completion of the project. Mr Aidoo said the contractor executing the project has been asked to work faster to complete the theatre for the festival, scheduled for April, next year.

He said if by that time the theatre has not been completed, the festival will be re-scheduled.

The regional minister said chiefs have resolved to end chieftaincy disputes and litigations by April, next year, to pave the way for development.

Mr Aidoo noted that most of the chieftaincy disputes and litigations are the result of non-compliance with laid down regulations.He called on the media, religious and chieftaincy institutions to play an active role in the development of the region.

Mr Aidoo said an educational fund is to be launched next year, with a seed money of ?100 million provided by British-American Tobacco (BAT) Limited.Modalities for the fund are being worked out, he said, adding that it is likely to involve the district assemblies.

Mr Aidoo said a farmers housing scheme, which could not be implemented last year, will be launched in 2003. Roads to be considered for rehabilitation next year include the Agona Nkwanta-Tarkwa, Manso Amenfi-Asankrangwa-Enchi and Elubo-Asemkrom-Enchi roads.

Mr Aidoo said a task force will be formed by February 2003 to oversee work on the Agona Nkwanta-Tarkwa Road which is in a bad state.Mining companies in Tarkwa have given an undertaking to supply equipment and materials to repair portions of the road until tenders for the re-construction are opened and concluded.

Madam Sophia Horner-Sam, Deputy Regional Minister, expressed concern about the language used on some FM stations and said the stations should rather assist the government to instil discipline, reduce social problems and develop the region.

Madam Horner-Sam said the media, as the fourth estate of the realm, should share in the blame if the government fails to achieve its goals.