General News of Wednesday, 15 December 2004

Source: GNA

Funds released for Adum Banso Lands

Daboase (W/R) Dec. 15 - GNA-Major Samuel K. Amponsah, (rtd) outgoing Member of Parliament (MP) for the Mpohor Wassa East Constituency disclosed that the Ministry of Finance has released a total of 8.7 billion cedis as compensation to the chiefs and people of Adum Banso in the Western Region.

The money is meant for the payment of the 16,750 acres of land acquired by the Supreme Military Council (SMC) in 1973 for the cultivation of oil palm in the area.

It is expected the 130 claimants, whose buildings were affected by the acquisition, the district assembly and chiefs, would receive a fair share of the compensation when paid.

Major Amponsah (Rtd) said this at the third ordinary meeting of the second session of assembly at Daboase on Wednesday.

He however, cautioned that lack of cooperation, mutual trust and understanding could delay the payment of the compensation. Maj. Amponsah stressed that litigations retard development and urged the people of the town to unite and work together to enable them to develop the infrastructure and social amenities of the area.

He therefore appealed to the people of the Mpohor Wassa East District to patronise communal labour and initiate community projects on their own, while area councils must increase their revenue generation to facilitate development.

"The government, MP and other stakeholders would assist you to develop your communities if you make the effort," he added. He appealed to the District Chief Executive, to give the Presiding Member of the assembly, the opportunity to reach out to a larger public and enable the communities to feel part as of the assembly.

Maj. Amponsah appealed to members of the assembly to work together as a team and must not allow political affiliation to affect their performance as assembly members.

Mr. Samuel B. Effah, Presiding Member of the assembly appealed to all assembly members to ensure people living within their electoral areas patronise the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

"As a new institution it is bound to have teething problems but if we persevere, we will succeed and must not give in to critics," he added.

Mr. Effah said it was the only system that could eliminate the "dreaded" cash and carry system.