Mankessim (Central Region), 14 Sept.,

The Deputy Central Regional Minster, Mr. H.Q. Jehu-Appiah has told a durbar of chiefs and people of Manessim traditional area that the government neither installs nor destools chiefs. Addressing the durbar to climax the week-long "Amansie Festival" at Mankessim yesterday, Mr. Jehu-Appiah said the Regional Administration will deal only with chiefs who have been recognised by the National and the Central Region Houses of Chiefs. He noted that the 20 years of chieftaincy dispute in the area has retarded the progress of Mankessim. He therefore asked the people to bury their differences and forge ahead in unity towards the development of the area. He called on the new omanhene for the area, Nana Amanfo Edu the sixth, to use his good offices to unite all the factions. The Deputy Minister assured the people that plans are afoot to rehabilitate the Mankessim market and roundabout and asked the omanhene to ensure that sanity prevails at the market. Mr. Jacob Arthur, Member of Parliament for the area spoke about the falling standards of education in the region and appealed to parents to be serious with their children's education. In his welcoming address, Nana Edu said the settlement of the 20- year-old chieftaincy dispute in the area is neither a victory for him nor for any faction but a victory for all. He said he has accepted the decisions and is ready to bury all differences and plunge into gainful ventures to bring progress to the area.