Ajumako (Central Region) 16 Nov. '98

An appeal has been made to Members of District Co- operative Distillers and Retailers Union Limited to join the crusade to protect the forest by planting trees in their areas of operation. Mr S. K. Semakor, Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District Director of Agriculture, who made the appeal at the annual general meeting of the Union at Ajumako, said it was necessary for them to ensure that the forest is maintained to sustain their work. They should also embark on co-operative farming to enable them qualify for loans to expand their businesses. Mr Isaac Owusu Ansah, secretary of the union announced that work on a 30 million-cedi office complex for the union is near completion. The project comprising 11 rooms and a big conference hall is being undertaken by the members through communal labour and payment of special levies. Mr E. A. Andam District Co-operative Officer said the union realised a total income of nine million cedis through levies and collected 10 million cedis in respect of distillers' and store licence fees for the district assembly. New executives were elected with Mr Kwesi Quansah as President, with Mr Yaw Botwe as his Vice- president.