Accra, Sept. 11, GNA - The Government has pledged 500 million cedis towards the establishment of the Ga Traditional Council Education Fund. The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly also jointly pledged 300 million cedis towards the Fund.

President John Agyekum Kufuor announced these when he addressed a colorful grand durbar of the chiefs and people of the Ga Traditional Area to climax this year's celebration of the Homowo festival. He said work would soon begin on the Bukom Square and the James Town harbours to attract tourist and create job opportunities for the people. President Kufuor reiterated government commitment to transforming the city of Accra and said a number of projects were on-going towards improving the infrastructure capacity and some public edifices. He announced the completion of a clinic at Ogbojo, near Weija and said work would soon commence on a new modern office for the AMA and the Salaga market before the end of the year.

President Kufuor said: "Some of the traditional structures also need to refurbished and the chiefs must try to reengineer their institution".

Concerning government acquired lands, the President said the apprehension of the chiefs were legitimate and that because of the delicate nature of the issue, efforts were being made to ensure a better solution.

President Kufuor, therefore, appealed to the chiefs and people to exercise patient so that government could find an effective solution to matter.

The President welcomed the decision by the chiefs to pledged their commitment and resolution to renew themselves and unite towards the development of the Greater Accra Region and said such a statement would go down well in history adding that: "The Gas are saying that they are ready to assume their roles for national development.

He said: "Government is convinced that it is not too late to redeem the situation in Accra because it is determined to make the city very attractive to its people and investors.

On the December elections, President Kufuor said it would not be enough for people to demand free and fair elections, but they must show commitment towards achieving the objective.

"Government will do all in its power to ensure this and will also work hand in hand with other political parties to achieve this ". President Kufuor called for sustenance of the durbar, which brought together all chief from the traditional area and said it was necessary for the growth of the nation.

Sheik I C Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister, praised the chiefs and people for organizing such an annual grand durbar and said never in the history of the city has such a gathering been witnessed. He said it was a demonstration of the peace and tranquility that had prevailed over the years in the region.

Sheik Quaye said praise the government for charting the path for peace in the country and the West African sub-region. He said : "Through the toils and rich experience of the President, Ghana and the sub- region have seen peace".

Nii Adote Obuor II, President of the Ga Traditional Area, said this year's homowo celebration had been the most peaceful adding that there was the need to redefine the configuration of the Ga State. He called on the authorities to expedite action on the resolution of the issue concerning compensation on lands acquired by Government and to consider returning to Stools lands that were not put to use for development.

Nii Obour announced the establishment of the education fund and said it would help educate the youth in the region to make them better future leaders.