Akpafu-Todzi (V/R), Feb 25, GNA - Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said integrated technology and industrialization would be his priorities should he become the next president.

He said his government, driven by development in unity and national reconciliation, would equitably distribute the nation's wealth irrespective of political inclination, tribe or voting patterns. Nana Akufo-Addo was addressing the chiefs and people of Akpafu-Todzi in the Hohoe District at the celebration of their iron-smelting (Katore Iyi) festival.

The festival, a platform for socio-economic development, seeks to recount the history of the people who, about 600 years ago, were noted for their mastery in iron mining and fabrication of iron implements. Nana Akufo-Addo said he would revive all dormant iron ore mines especially at Akpafu, Adum Banso and Opon Manso in the Western Region if given the mandate to lead the country.

He appealed to chiefs to encourage their people to show keen interest when the Electoral Commission re-opens the voters' register. Mrs Rita Tani Iddi, Deputy Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, said government was reconsidering plans for feasibility studies to assess the country's potential in iron ore and its development for industrialization.

She said the mining sector was crucial to the country's economy and contributes about seven percent of Ghana's corporate tax earnings, 41 percent of exports, 12 percent of government revenue and five percent of gross domestic product.

Mr Kofi Dzamesi, Volta Regional Minister, said government was spending 3.5 million Ghana cedis on development projects in the Akpafu area as part of its rural development programme. The Akpafu area would benefit from a 150-kilometre road networks this year.

Nana Katani Nsurogya Akrasi, Paramount Chief of Akpafu Traditional Area, said he was grateful to government for responding to development needs of the area including the new blocks at the Akpafu-Mempeasem Senior High School and urged government to consider solving the residential accommodation of teachers.

He called for the extension of School Feeding Programme to the traditional area and asked that work be facilitated on the areas link roads especially those at Sokpo, Odomi, Adorkor and Akpafu junction-Todzi.