Regional News of Friday, 13 December 2002

Source: GNA

Dormant Postal Agencies to be rejuvenated

The management of Ghana Post Company Limited has drawn up a policy to rejuvenate the operations of dormant Postal Agencies in collaboration with local communities.

The Dambai Postal Agency, which used to be dormant, is one of such postal agencies now operational following a collaborative effort between Ghana Post and the local community.

Felix Owusu-Adjapong, Minister of Communications and Technology said this on Thursday when he appeared in Parliament to answer a number of questions posed by members.

Francis Yaw Osei-Sarfo, NDC-Krachi, whose question was asked on his behalf by Joe Gidisu, NDC-North Tongu asked what efforts the ministry was making to extend postal services to major towns like Chinderi, Dambai and Asukawkaw that are over 100km from the only Post Office at the District capital, Kete-Krachi.

Owusu-Adjapong said the Chinderi and Asukawkaw Postal Agencies have been reported to be dormant due to the non-payment of postal agent's allowances by the District assembly and for the poor road network of the area.

The Minister said his ministry was in contact with the Ministry of Roads and Transport to open up the Asukawkaw with good road network so that the Ghana Post would be in a position to open commissioned agencies in collaboration with the communities in the area.

Edward Salia, NDC-Jirapa asked whether it was the financial viability or economic viability of the area that the Ministry was considering before opening postal agencies and the Minister said both options are considered but the economic returns from the area are very important.