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Kufuor urges new assemblies to protect life and property

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 Source: GNA

Agona Nsaba (C/R), Feb. 29, GNA - President John Agyekum on Friday called on district assemblies and district security councils to ensure the protection of life and property to make the people free and safe. "The emphasis should be on conflict prevention and this should feature promptly on your agenda," he urged, adding that it is only in sound peace and tranquillity that a district can achieve socio-economic development.

These were contained in a speech read for the President by Mr Kwadwo Adjei-Darko, Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Environment at a durbar to mark the inauguration of Agona East District Assembly.

Nana Yaw Kobre III, acting president of the Agona Nsaba Traditional Council and Nana Apim Darko, Kyedomhene of Agona Nsaba traditional area and also chief of Agona Kwayanko, jointly chaired the durbar. They called for cooperation between assembly members and chiefs in the area to enhance rapid development.

The chiefs cautioned staff of the Assembly not to meddle in chieftaincy matters in order to ensure peace in the district. Mr Charles Adjei Wilson, a Circuit court Judge, swore-in the 27 Assembly Members, who later unanimously elected Nana Kwaw Bonsi, a government appointee, to be the Presiding Member. The Agona East district was carved from the Agona District Assembly, now elevated to municipal status. At a similar durbar at Awutu Beraku to inaugurate the Awutu District Assembly, deputy Central Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Obodai read the speech on behalf of President Kufuor, calling for unity among the people.

Mr Kofi Ahiabor, Awutu District Magistrate, swore-in members of the Assembly, carved out from Awutu-Effutu-Senya district, leaving Effutu district which has now gained the status of a municipality. A representative of the chiefs, Neei Chortey Kwakorabi III, appealed to the government to help the Awutus to address land boundary problems to ensure peace and harmony among them and their neighbours. The chief also appealed to the government to help develop the Akora Mountain into a tourist attraction.

He pledged support for the success of the district and urged the people to honour their tax obligations to enable the Assembly generate enough revenue for development. The MP for the area, Mr Opei Abbey, appealed to those who have attained 18 years and above but did not register to do so when the voters' register opens in May.

The 36 member-Assembly later elected Mr Kwesi Esserku, Assembly Member for the Bosueku/Krobochre and former Presiding Member of the then Awutu-Effutu-Senya district Assembly, as Presiding member. 29 Feb. 08

Source: GNA