Koforidua, March 25. GNA - Mr Mike Hamah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has reminded staff under the Ministry of the important role they play in the socio-economic development of the country.

He, therefore, urged them not to compromise their professional duties by engaging in activities that could undermine the economy. Mr Hamah reminded them that by compromising their professional duties, they would be denying several communities of hospitals, schools and good drinking water, among other social amenities. He was addressing staff of the Lands Commission, Minerals Commission, Geological Survey Department and the office of the Administrator of Stool Lands in Koforidua and Akyem Oda, as part of his two-day familiarization tour of the Eastern Region. Mr Hamah advised them to put the interest of the nation above all selfish considerations and to work as a team to help achieve the better Ghana Agenda of the Government.

He indicated that when every Ghanaian plays his role well, the country would not need to depend on foreign donors for support. Mr Hamah urged them to be proactive, disciplined and committed to their work.

He advised staff of the Lands Commission to suspend the allocation of public lands for private use, saying that litigations on Land had been a problem for the Ministry. He recommended that there should be a comprehensive data on both public and private lands.

Mr Hamah later addressed staff of the Birim Central Municipal Assembly at Akyem Oda where he commended Ms Ophelia Koomson, the Municipal Chief Executive, for her tireless efforts to develop the area.

Ms Koomson told the Minister that the major problems confronting the municipality were activities of illegal chainsaw operators and galamsey operations.