Abeadze-Dominase C/R), Aug. 31, GNA - The Central Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Edumadze on Saturday appealed to Chiefs and people in the region to support the health insurance scheme approved by parliament.

He said the Bill when implemented, will bring great relief to Ghanaians, especially people in rural areas.

The Minister was addressing a durbar of chiefs at separate functions at Abeadze-Dominase, Ajumako, Agona Nkum and Abor to climax their annual Ahoboakese and Akwambo festival.

Mr Edumadze regretted that in spite of government's good intention to solve the health needs of people, the minority group in Parliament is criticizing it on grounds that the Health Insurance Bill was being rushed.

He said the days when the masses were enticed with money to vote against their conscience is a thing of the past and that they should therefore, make a critical analysis of the achievement of the government and return it to power in the 2004 general elections.

Mr Edumadze said it was the desire of the NPP to stay in power for long to enhance good governance and win the confidence of the people.

He expressed concern about political differences that are affecting communal labour in most communities and asked the people to sink their political differences and contribute their quota towards the development of their communities.

At Agona Nkum, Mr Edumadze said the Agona district has so far benefited from 71 projects since the government took over power two years ago. He said the Nyakrom-Breman Asikuma road would soon be awarded on contract for work to begin in September.

In a welcoming address, Dasebre Kwebu Ewusi, V11, Omanhene of Abeadze traditional area commended President J.A Kufuor on his appointment as the Head of ECOWAS.

He said this appointment is well deserved and indicates his great work and leadership in the sub-region.

Nana Ewusi appealed to the government to extend electricity to Mprenkya, Odumanu, Kyekyewere, Akobima-Akropong and Tabosom and consider the construction of roads in Abeadze traditional area to facilitate easy evacuation of foodstuffs.

He asked the people in the area to contribute their quota towards the development of the area by participating in communal labour and thanked the police for ensuring peace and order in the area.

Odeneho Gyapong Ababio, President of the National House of Chiefs who presided over the festival at Abeadze Dominase stressed the need to rid the chieftaincy institution of unnecessary disputes to enable it to play its proper role as an institution for the promotion of peace and development. 31 Aug. 03