Cape Coast, Jan.12, GNA - The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly will organise an open-day to educate people on the policies and programmes of the assembly to deepen democracy at the grassroots. Mr. Anthony Egyir Aikins, Metropolitan Chief Executive, who announce= d this at a press briefing in Cape Coast on Monday, said such an event that=

would commence this year, would enable the public to contribute to the development of the metropolis.

He said: "I will not remain in my office alone, I will reach out to=

the people at the grassroots to enable them to understand the work of the=

assembly", adding that he would help improve upon the wellbeing of the people. Mr. Aikins expressed concern about apathy, backbiting and political vindictiveness among the people and called on the media to promote peace for national development.

He appealed to the people to stop politicizing every situation and support the government to move the country forward.

Mr Aikins said the Assembly has identified challenges and evolved strategies towards the development of the area.

He mentioned the relocation of the Siwdu artisans to Mpeasem near Ju= kwa in the metropolis to pave way for the development of the Fosu Lagoon into= a tourist site and lack of a master plan for the development of the area. Mr. Aikins said the Assembly would tackle poverty, low standards of education, sanitation and health issues. He said that the Coca Cola Bottling Company would soon site a factor= y in the area to create employment and other investors have expressed inter= est in developing the coastal stretch of the area into a tourist site. Mr. Aikins said a contract has been awarded for the construction of a bridge over the Fosu Lagoon and a land has also been earmarked for a hous= ing project. He said the Assembly would ensure that students from the metropolis gain admission into good schools in Cape Coast and its environs and organ= ise vacation classes for school children.

Mr. Aikins said the Assembly would focus on the Community based Heal= th Improvement Programme to improve health delivery in the area. Micro-finance programmes would also be introduced to support those i= n the small and medium scale sector and fishing industry.