Edumadze expresses concern about attempts to sabotage investments.

Elmina (C/R), July 2, GNA - The Central Regional Minister Mr Isaac Edumadze on Tuesday, expressed concern that certain people in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) District were sabotaging investment in the area.

He said some people had put warnings on the Internet claiming falsely that investors and tourists risked their lives going to the area, because there was a dispute raging there.

Mr Edumadze expressed this concern, when he addressed the chiefs and people of the Edina Traditional Area, during a purification ceremony to lift the month-long ban on fishing in the 'Benya Lagoon, as part of activities marking their annual 'Bakatue' festival.

The ceremony, began with the chief Fetish Priest assisted by two others, casting the 'Omanhene's net' three times into the Lagoon, amidst the firing of musketry, and jubilation by the people, to signify the lifting of the ban.

The Regional Minister, noted that these negative actions were taking their toll, as only a handful of tourists showed up this year to witness the festival, as compared to attendance in previous years.

He cautioned that the area, would "not see development" if the trend continued, and urged the saboteurs, to stop, reminding them that tourists' participation in such events, was of economic importance to the area and the country at large.

The Minister reiterated the government's determination to enhance socio-economic development, but warned that it would, however, not undertake any development projects in areas where "conflicts and chieftaincy disputes abound".

He, therefore, stressed the need for aggrieved persons to use the appropriate channels to seek redress and warned that the law would deal with those who used unorthodox means.

Other activities to mark the ceremony included a regatta and swimming competition. The district assembly presented cash prizes to the winners of the regatta, which was won by 'Bantuma', with 'Abese Highlife' and 'Yadodo' placing second and third, respectively.

There were, however, no prizes for winners of the swimming competition, because there was no sponsorship for the event.