Donor conference for Elmina in July

A donor's conference would be held in July this year to seek for funding for the Elmina Cultural Heritage Management Project, to promote education, health, tourism, fishing and sanitation in the area.

The Dutch ambassador, Mr. Arie C. A. Van Der Wiel said this at a durbar of the Chiefs and people of the Edina Traditional Area to mark their annual "Bronya" festival.

Edina Bronya is marked every January 4 in remembrance of a settlement of hostilities and reconciliation between the Dutch and the people of Edina during the 16th century.

Since then the occasion had been set-aside for families in the area to settle differences and to foster unity.

Mr. Wiel announced a 100,000 US dollar support from the Dutch government towards the rehabilitation of historical sites including the four Asafo posts in the area.

He expressed the hope that the bonds of friendship between the Dutch and Elmina would be strengthened to enhance development and progress.

The District Chief Executive, Nana Ato Arthur, urged the people to remain peaceful and to forge ahead in unity to ensure progress.

Nana Arthur deplored the unsanitary conditions in the town and urged the people to ensure a healthy environment to attract tourists.

He cautioned the people against the HIV/AIDS menace, which he said was threatening the lives of many people.

The Omanhene of the Edina Traditional Area, Nana Kodwo Conduah VI, also called for peace and reconciliation among the people to enhance development.

Three wreaths were laid at the Dutch cemetery, one by Mr Wiel on behalf of the Dutch government, another by Nana Ato Arthur on behalf of the Government of Ghana and the other by the Omanhen on behalf of the chiefs and people of the traditional area.