Asankrangwa (W/R), March 2, GNA- Mr. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister has emphasized the need for district, municipal and metropolitan assemblies to reduce their financial dependence on the central government and re-assess their internally generated funds. He noted that the over-dependence on the central government had made "some of them lazy and unable to identify their own potentials", to make progress.

Mr. Aidoo was speaking at the fourth session of the Wassa Amenfi District Assembly at Asankrangwa on Friday.

He advised them to create a database of all properties within its jurisdiction and zone the various communities and properties, to enable them to know the exact incomes that the assembly, could generate from such properties and to be included in its planning and development agenda.

"The assemblies should be able to project and enhance its budget and development without waiting for the central government" he added.

Mr. Aidoo, urged all assembly members to educate communities within their electoral areas on the replacement of the voters register and the roles the various communities were expected to play to make the exercise successful.

He cautioned that anyone who failed to register when the exercise which begins from March 16 to 29 would disenfranchise himself.

Mr. Aidoo announced that the farmers' housing scheme was likely to begin in June this year after the final legal processes have been completed.

He however said only cocoa farmers whose farms could support the scheme, would benefit from the housing facility.

Mr. Samuel A. Tekyi, District Chief Executive of Wassa Amenfi said the Assembly exceeded its internally generated revenue target for 2003 by 10 per cent.

He said out of an estimated target of 1.1 billion cedis the assembly collected 1.2 billion cedis.

Mr. Tekyi said to better the situation the assembly was organizing in-service training for its revenue collectors to enable them to improve on their performances.

He said the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the fight against the HIV/AIDS would be the major programmes of the assembly this year.

The DCE stressed that the district had a large number of uninformed barbers, hairdressers and quack doctors, whose activities were likely to contribute to the spread of the disease.

"Most of these people who operate in our rural areas, know nothing about sterilizing their instruments and could be spreading the disease at a faster rate," he added.

He urged assembly members to be politically neutral in their collective and individual actions adding, "We are one people and should not allow the December general elections to divide us".

Nana Kow Ade I, the Presiding member said most of the town and area councils were still without office accommodation thereby hindering their effective operations.

He appealed to assembly members to support revenue collectors in the discharge of their duties when they visit their communities.

Sitting of examination had improved professionalism in dressmaking Dormaa-Ahenkro (B/A), March 2, GNA- Madam Florence Ening, Chairperson of Dormaa District branch of Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association said at the weekend that the introduction of apprenticeship examinations had injected professionalism into the vocation.

She therefore appealed to apprentices of the Association to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire the national vocational training institute's certificate to become qualified dressmakers and tailors. Madam Ening was addressing members of the Association at a get-together and fund-raising at Dormaa-Ahenkro.

She emphasized the importance of taxes in the socio-economic development of the nation and asked them to pay their taxes promptly. Madam Ening asked them to be honest and dedicated to their work to raise the image of the Association.

Mr. I. Ntiri, District Manager of National Board for Small-Scale Industries said the government was determined to harmonize and streamline the work of various vocations in the country. He gave the assurance that the Board was committed to the growth of professional bodies and urged them to patronize the office to be able to adopt effective strategies to improve on their performances. 2 March 02