People of Nakuom hold forum on poverty reduction

Nakuom (U/E), Nov 27, GNA- The chiefs and people of Nakuom have appealed to the government to provide infrastructure development in rural communities in order to realise its objectives outlined in the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS) policy.

With majority of the country's population in the rural areas, the non of such facilities would ultimately defeat the efforts of the government to improve the people's living conditions.

These were the concerns expressed by the chiefs and people at a forum to ascertain the impact of the GPRS.

The strategy is being implemented on a pilot basis at Nakuom and eight surrounding communities under the supervision of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).

Mr. David Aboko Akologo, a spokesman for the people catalogued a number of projects which needed to be provided before the GPRS policy can achieve any success in the communities.

He cited the provision of a dam for irrigation during the dry season to reduce the seasonal drifting of the youth to the south as one of the important projects.

Mr Akologo mentioned a health centre, accessible road network, potable water and schools with qualified teachers.

He said the communities are prepared to complement government's efforts by offering communal labour to ensure the completion of all projects implemented in the area.

The District Director of NCCE, Mr. Roland Azumah, welcomed the idea of the people's participation in policies being implemented by the government, adding that the days when people relied on government to take all decisions are over.

He said this was the essence of participatory governance and that it must be sustained to ensure that projects that are useful to the people are implemented.