Bekwai (Ash), Feb 27, GNA - Mr. Benjamin Asonaba-Depaah, a Member of the Council of State, has reiterated government's commitment to the systematic socio-economic and democratic development of the country.

He therefore, asked Ghanaians to appreciate the efforts and initiatives so far made by President J.A Kufuor and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government and continue to support it in its developmental programmes. Addressing the first meeting of the third session of the Amansie East District Assembly at Asante-Bekwai on Thursday, Mr Asonaba-Dapaah asked the members not to embark on any negative attitudes that would undermine the integrity of the government.

"Don't allow your personal interest override that of the nation, but you should work as a people with a common aspiration at all levels", he said.

The Council of State member said the Council was aware of the problems of assembly members and all those involved in the decentralisation process and that efforts are being made to enhance their welfare and activities.

Mr Asonaba-Dapaah charged the members and other stakeholders to assist the Electoral Commission (EC) to encourage qualified people to register when the voters' register opens next month to enable them to cast their votes when the time comes.

Mr Richard Aboagye, Amansie East District Chief Executive commended the Council of State member for touring the Ashanti Region to familiarise himself with various activities in the district. Mr Kwasi Anto Ofori-Atta, the Presiding Member of the Assembly, told the assembly members to work harder to support the development taking place in their communities.

Nana Mintah Afari Bowak, assembly member for Dotom and headmaster of Jachie-Pramso Secondary School, said people have begun to feel the independence the country won years back. He observed that many of the communities lacked good motorable roads, schools and good drinking water, but hoped that with all hands on deck, the government will address the issues one after the other.