Sunyani (B/A), Feb. 22, GNA - Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Brong-Ahafo=

Regional Minister on Monday presented a "Mahindra" pick-up vehicle valued= at about 22,000 dollars to the Regional House of Chiefs.

The vehicle with registration number GC 2190-09, was made available to the House by Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo, Mr. J.H Owusu Acheampong, Alhaji Asuma Banda and Mrs. Cecilia Johnson, the three members of the Council of State=

from the Region. With this, the Regional House of Chiefs can now boost of three vehicles. Making the presentation at a short ceremony in Sunyani, Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo said the government appreciated the immense support of traditional rulers towards national development.

He said since chiefs were the embodiment of the people, the governme= nt would contiue to support and pay regular visits to them to help address t= he challenges that faced the people. Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo expressd the optimism that the house would take advantage of the gesture and mediate to resolve the numerous chieftaincy disputes that had bedeviled the region.

Nana Kwaku Ateryi II, President of the House, who received the keys to the vehicle, thanked the donors for the gesture. He commended the government for being supportive of the House and no= ted that the vehicle would facilitate the easy movements of the house especia= lly to traditional areas where the House found it very difficult to reach becuase of the nature of the roads. 22 Feb 10