Sunyani, May 30, GNA - Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has said the periodic ministerial reshuffle by the President was necessary as it allowed ministers to learn from the various sectors and work to improve the lives of the people.

"Reshuffle can be made as and when it is needed, even one week to general election and ministers are expected to be quick at learning. The President has his hands firmly on the ground and he knows what he is doing," he said.

Mr. Asamoah Boateng said this at the Brong-Ahafo Regional Meet-the-Press programme organised by the Regional Coordinating Council. He said shocks were being unleashed on the global economy as a result of the rising cost of crude oil and that despite these developments the national economy had remained resilient and well managed by the government as evident by the rise in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Mr. Asamoah Boateng urged Ghanaians to bear with the government in the face of the socio-economic hardship as it has an international dimension.

"Government's major concern is for the vulnerable and the lower class. The President's recent announcement of a relief package was targeted at people in the remote areas of the country. This is not to say it is against the upper class", he said. Mr. Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, outlined major successes, achievements and challenges experienced in the various sectors of development.

On security, he said the region has been relatively calm and peaceful with the exception of spots in land disputes between the people of Nkoranza and a group located around Portor in the Kintampo North Municipality.

He said currently the number of chieftaincy cases pending in the Regional House of Chiefs stands at 63.

He said there was not much improvement in the performance of students in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) despite the rise in the number of teachers but attendance and retention rate had gone up.

The Regional Minister said the introduction of capitation grant had seen an increase in enrolment figures for basic schools by 11.5 per cent.

On sports, Mr. Baffour Awuah said government had made a definite decision to construct a modern 15,000 capacity stadium for the region and that the Sunyani Municipal Assembly is in collaboration with the Lands Department to find a suitable place.

Touching on health, he said by 2010, the region would have the required health personnel and would be an exporter of health personnel to other parts of the region. 30 May 08