Axim (Western Region), 24th June 99

A 20-member team comprising Members of Parliament and officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) are assessing environmental problems in the Nzema East and Jomoro districts.

Other stakeholders include Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Board for Small-Scale Industries (NBSSI).

Mr Kofi Portuphy, National Co-ordinator of NADMO, is leading the team, which include Mr Freddie Blay, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Elembelle and Mr Kojo Armah, Member of Parliament for Evalue Gwira.

The team is inspecting the extent of damage caused through dumping of toxic waste into the sea in the two districts and coconut trees infested by the Cape St. Paul wilt disease.

It has already visited Jaway Wharf, Elubo, Half Assini, Atuabo, Axim and Aiyinasi.

Mr Portuphy told members of the Nzema East district assembly on Tuesday that the tour is at the instance of President J.J. Rawlings.

He said specialist agencies have conducted studies to find lasting solutions to the toxic waste problem in the two districts.

Mr Portuphy said the Presidents of Ghana and Cote D'ivoire recently signed an agreement to find a common solution to the problem, which is threatening both countries.

He called for Task Forces in the electoral areas to assist NADMO in its work and to find employment for the youth.

Mr Blay asked assemblymen to create awareness about environmental problems along the coast in the two districts, which are of great concern to the government and people of Nzemaland.

He urged the people to initiate programmes to improve their living standards, adding the government would supplement community efforts at development.