Agona Swedru (C/R), Nov. 24, GNA- Mr. Isaac Edumadzi, Central Regional Minister has called on Ghanaians to end chieftaincy disputes, tribal conflicts and social vices which impede economic prosperity of the country.

He said: "it is a fact that no volunteer or foreigner will risk his or her life just for the sake of helping some one to discover his or her inherited potentials if these same people are fighting wars".

This was contained in a speech read for him by Mr. G B L Siilo, Agona District Coordinating Director at the swearing in of American Peace Corps Volunteers at Agona Swedru on Monday.

He said chieftaincy disputes and land cases and tribal conflicts are causing serious damage to the nation's economic development.

Mr. Edumadzi said it is sad that most deprived communities with genuine needs for development partners cannot progress due to tribal conflicts and disputes.

The Regional Minister stated that the HIV/AIDS is threatening the youth who are to assume the mantle of leadership when the old becomes weak.

Mr. Edumadzi assured the volunteers that the government of Ghana is highly committed to the fight against the HIV/AIDS because of its threat to human capital development.

The Regional Minister regretted that the non-existent of effective and efficient counselling system prevent people from going for voluntary testing.

He expressed concern about the fast depletion of the country's forest and called for the promotion of public awareness through public education of rural people in forestry and wildlife conservation to maintain life-sustaining system to ensure effective tourism and income generating opportunities.

Mr. Edumadzi called on the volunteers who are experts in Eco-tourism to help improve the sector.