Regional News of Friday, 29 August 2003

Source: GNA

Amenfi West Constituency NPP elects officers

Asankrangwa (W/R), Aug. 29, GNA- Mr Anthony Sekyi, a businessman was on Thursday elected chairman of the Wasa Amenfi West constituency of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at Asankrangwa.

Mr Appiah Kubi was elected unopposed as the first constituency vice chairman with Mr Robert Obiri Yeboah as second vice chairman. The post of secretary went to Mr Kwaku Obeng Berko with Mr Kwesi Blay emerging as assistant secretary.

Other officers elected included Mr Salame Blay, as youth organizer, Mr. Asuo Afram, treasurer and Miss Mary Arko as women organizer. The Asankrangwa District Electoral Commissioner conducted the election.

Mr Francis Quansah, Western regional Secretary of the NPP swore in the new officers and advised them to work assiduously for the party's victory in the 2004 general elections.

Prioritise support to agriculture - Aliu asks Germany

Accra, Aug. 29, GNA - Vice President Aliu Mahama on Friday urged Germany to prioritise investment in the agricultural sector, which employs over 60 per cent of the population, in its assistance package to Ghana.

He said the positive transformation of the sector would bring significant improvement in the quality of life of Ghanaians, particularly the rural folks.

The Vice President was speaking when the new German Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Peter Linder, called on him at the Castle, Osu, The discussions focused on deepening ties between the two countries, Ghana's commitment to democracy and development and trade and investment issues.

Vice President Mahama said Ghana was worried about the trade barriers, which impeded exports to European markets and asked Germany to use its influence to review some of the inimical regimes.

He commended Germany for its invaluable assistance to Ghana's development process and expressed the hope that investments and trade would significantly improve during Mr Linder's duty tour.

Mr Linder said he had had an impressive six-week beginning adding that with the successful negotiations to abolish double taxation between the two countries some improvement would be made. He said both countries, however, had to address certain peculiar issues to facilitate the process.

Mr Linder commended Ghana's commitment to democracy and good governance and her role in resolving conflicts in the West Africa Sub-Region.

Earlier, Vice President Mahama also held talks with Mr Lee Sung-Pal, South Korean Ambassador to Ghana. He commended the country for sponsoring the Buipe-Bolgatanga pipeline project. 29 Aug. 03