Kumasi, March 24, GNA - Mr Kofi Poku Manu, Ashanti Regional Minister, has assured that the Mills administration will ensure equitable distribution of the national cake to benefit the citizenry. "No region or group of persons would be discriminated against in the execution of development projects, since government is committed in meeting the socio-economic aspirations of Ghanaians irrespective of their political, ethnic or religious background". Mr Poku Manu gave the assurance when four identifiable groups paid a courtesy call on him at the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) in Kumasi on Monday to congratulate him on his assumption to office. The groups are the Atta Mills Foundation, Kingdom Traders Association, Voltarian Co-ordinating Council (VCC) and Anloga Carpenters Union.

The Regional Minister appealed to residents of the Region to be supportive of projects and initiatives of government since nation building required a multi-sectored approach by all. Mr Poku Manu advised all and sundry to be tolerant of divergent views especially in the Region to help consolidate on the unity and peace being enjoyed in the country.

He said he would be a minister of all, stressing that as such people in the Region should bury their political differences, co-operate and feel free to approach his office with their problems, suggestions and pieces of advice that would move the Region forward. Togbui S. K. Fugah, Life Patron of the Anloga Carpenters Union and spokesperson for the groups, lauded Mr Poku Manu for being appointed as the Regional Minister and expressed the hope that, as a former Regional Co-ordinating Director, he would bring his rich experience and expertise to bear on the activities and the socio-economic development of the Region.

He told the Regional Minister about the activities of the carpenters union and also the challenges confronting their relocation to the Sokoban Wood Village.

"Mr Minister, I know you have in recent times been inundated with reports that the carpenters have resolved not to relocate but I assure you that there is no iota of truth in those speculation as we are almost ready to move to the new site," he added. Mr Young Attipoe, a leading member of the VCC, stressed the need for Ghanaians to be law-abiding if the nation was to realize her development goals. 24 March 09