Avoid litigation for development - WR Chiefs told

Asankrangwa (W/R), Aug. 20, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Thursday appealed to Chiefs in the Western Region to endeavour to settle amicably the chieftaincy disputes and litigation that has retarded the socio-economic development of the region.

He said the paramount chiefs who took the oath and signed the Peace and Unity Treaty at Takoradi during "the Western Region Nkabom Afahye 2004" should take the initiative and commit themselves to peace. President Kufuor made the appeal at separate durbars of the chiefs and people of Sefwi-Bekwai, Bibiani, Asankrangwa, Manso Amenfi and Wasa Akropong on the fourth day of his five-day visit to the region.

He said signing of the Treaty was unique in the history of the chieftaincy institution in the region and urged the signatories to abide by the tenets of the Treaty to ensure efficient and effective development of the area.

President Kufuor said development could elude the people in the midst of the rich natural resources in the region, adding, "Development could only be initiated and executed in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity."

On the payment of royalties to the Stools by mining companies, President Kufuor said the Ministries of Mines and Finance and Economic Planning would take a look at the 10 percent paid to the Stools for a review.

The chiefs appealed to the Government to rehabilitate roads in the region, provide better health and telecommunications facilities and the upgrading of Senior Secondary Schools in the region.