Winneba (C/R), May 3, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Saturday appealed to the chiefs and people of Winneba, as well as Asafo companies and other opinion leaders to bury their differences and forge ahead in unity towards the development of the area. He said Winneba has the potential to become a prosperous satellite city but without peace development facilities being provided by the government would be in vain.

President Kufuor was addressing a well-attended durbar of chiefs to mark the annual Aboakyer festival of the chiefs and people of Effutu Traditional Area at Winneba.

Tuafo No.1 Asafo Company was the first to bring their catch of a live deer to the durbar ground around 0815 hours where the Omanhene Neenyi Ghartey VII, stepped on it three times to signify its acceptance for the traditional rites on Sunday.

President Kufuor's entourage to the durbar included Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Mr Felix Owusu-Agyepong, Minister of Energy, Mr Samuel Owusu Adjei, Minister for Private Sector Reforms and MP for the Area, and Nana Atto Arthur, Central Regional Minister. Mr Dan Lartey, Leader of the Great Consolidated Peoples' Party and Dr. Paa Kwesi Ndoum, presidential candidate of the Convention People's Party were also at the durbar.

President Kufuor said Winneba would soon be part of the national capital and therefore needed peace and tranquillity that would enhance its development.

The President was not happy that every year, funds would have to be used to deplore security officers to maintain peace for the celebration of the festival, saying that such funds could be used for the development of the town. He said the construction of a safe landing beach at Winneba would begin in June this year and that the Muni Lagoon Project would also take off to boost the development of the area. He reminded the people in the newly created municipality that the elevation of the area has to go with responsibilities such as ensuring peace among themselves.

President Kufuor urged Ghanaians to see the December elections as a national assignment and appealed to them to ensure its success. He appealed to the people, especially the youth, to be mindful of their sexual habit and avoid acts that could make them susceptible to HIV/AIDS infection.

In his welcoming address, Neenyi Ghartey VII lauded President Kufuor for his effective administration of the country and the provision of some development projects in the area. He said in appreciation of President Kufuor's good works, he had decided to name a Boulevard Resort and the road leading to the place after him.

The Boulevard Resort is a one billion-dollar five-star hotel project being undertaken by a foreign investor. President Kufuor later unveiled a plague naming the street in his honour. 3 May 08