Kumasi, Jan. 7, GNA - The Ashanti Region is to benefit from 84 projects at a total cost of seven billion cedis under the third phase of the fifth European Union (EU) micro projects programme.

The programme, which begins early next month, includes the construction of school clinics, nurses' and teachers' quarters, markets, culverts and the provision of water and sanitation facilities.

Dr Kwaku Osafo, National Programmes Manager of EU projects, announced these at the inauguration of EU projects, constructed under the second phase of the fifth EU micro scheme, in Kumasi on Tuesday. Eighty-nine projects including blocks of classrooms, markets, water, sanitation, and health facilities in eight districts in the region had been completed at a total cost of 6.5 billion cedis.

The beneficiary districts are Adansi East, Adansi West, Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma, Asante-Akim North, Asante-Akim South, Amansie East, Ejisu-Juaben and the Kumasi Metropolis.

Dr Osafo said 1,850 projects had been completed in 56 districts in the country under the EU micro programme.

Mr Stefan Frowein, EU Ambassador to Ghana, in an address read for him, said, currently, 3,100 projects were being funded by the European Union and the number was expected to reach about 3,800 by the end of this year.

He urged the beneficiary communities to corporate with the EU for the early completion of the projects.

Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister, who inaugurated the projects said the Ghana Government/EU micro projects programme had helped to addressed the needs of the people, especially those in the rural areas.

He commended the EU for the assistance and appealed to the beneficiary communities and the implementing officials to work as a team to ensure the early completion of the projects.

Mr Maxwell Kofi Jumah, Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly Chief Executive, said the government was committed to providing infrastructure to facilitate national development.

He asked the people to maintain government facilities to ensure their long lifespan.