Cape Coast, Dec. 30, GNA - The Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, on Friday expressed his displeasure at the behaviour of some chiefs who spend huge resources on "needless litigation" at the expense of the development of the region and said, "this negative phenomenon must stop".

He said he was unhappy that the region that blazed the trail of the country's independence and was instrumental in every department of its socio-economic development "now lies fourth from the bottom on the poverty table."

"Vibrant industries lie desolate, whilst the level of unemployment, particularly among the youth in the region continues to soar, yet some of our chiefs who should be the fulcrum of development appear oblivious of this fact and continue to wobble in unnecessary litigation."

Nana Arthur said this at the end of year luncheon organized by the regional coordinating council for members of parliament, chiefs, district chief executives, heads of departments, the media and some top business executives and citizens in the region. "I appeal to Nanaanom to try at least to abate the level of chieftaincy disputes in the region and allow progress in their communities", he said.

Nana Arthur underscored the importance of forging unity amongst the citizenry as a prerequisite for development and reiterated calls on all to mobilize both material and human resources to facilitate the region's progress.

The minister also urged citizens of the region who live out side not to leave its development to chance but contribute meaningfully towards its growth for future posterity.

On major achievements during the year, he mentioned the various water projects carried out to improve upon the perennial water problems in the region that included the Winneba and Sekyere-Heman projects and the Mallam/Yamoransa road project.

On security, he urged residents to cooperate with the Regional Security Council to help combat the spate of armed robberies in the region.

Mr Ato Essuman, a Member of the Council of State, expressed concern about the fallen standards in education in the region and appealed to all stakeholders to work harder to improve it. He said the Ghana at 50 Central Regional Committee had resolved to construct a 200-bed hostel for mothers whose children are referred to the Central Regional Hospital and donated 1,000 bags of cement and a cheque for 100 million cedis for the commencement of the project.