Kokoado (Ash), Aug. 4, GNA - The Bosomtwe District Assembly in the Ashanti Region, has voted GH¢584,613.09, representing 35 per cent of its annual budget to support the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP).

Speaking at the assembly's first ordinary meeting on Monday, Mr Edward Nti-Berko, the District Chief Executive (DCE) said the move was to support government's pledge not to abandon good projects or programmes initiated by the previous administration. He said the various modules under the NYEP were being reviewed to ensure that they satisfied the needs and aspirations of the youth. The DCE said government expects to recruit 100,000 youths between by January 2010.

Mr Nti-Berko said government would also continue the mass spraying exercise of cocoa farms and ensured that farmers derived maximum benefit.

He urged assembly members to be vigilant to help prevent pilfering of chemicals and spraying machines meant for the exercise. Mr Nti-Berko used the occasion to commend the Kuntanase District Police Command for the swift manner they responded to avert a clash over a parcel of land at Abidjan-Nkwanta.

For education and health, the assembly earmarked GH¢171,943.84 and GH¢53,654.46 respectively.

Dr Mrs Agartha Bonney, the District Director of Health Services drew attention to the need for responsible parenthood to help check social vices.

Mr Joseph .K. Asuming, the Presiding Member, urged assembly members not to seek just their own personal needs but also the welfare of others in the district.