Wenchi (B/A), June 22, GNA - Vice-President John Evans Atta Mills on Thursday cut the sod for construction work to begin on a 30-kilometre road from Wenchi to Nsawkaw with a call on the people to co-operate towards its successful completion.

The two-year project, being undertaken at a cost of 20.7 billion cedis, is solely funded by the government of Ghana. It is expected to be completed by July 2002.

There was a mini-durbar of the chiefs and people of the traditional area to grace the occasion. The Vice-President recalled his last visit to the area in July, 1997, and said the beginning of work on the road was in fulfilment of his promise to them at that time.

He said the road would serve as a catalyst for the early development of the district and formed part of the government's sub-regional integration programme to link Ghana with neighbouring Cote d'Ivoire, adding that the project would be extended from Nsawkaw to Sampa.

Vice-President Mills informed the people of the government's decision to deconsficate the legally acquired property of the late Professor Kofi Abrefa Busia, President of the Second Republic, saying that the gesture was towards national unity.

He cautioned against "inflammatory, offensive and provocative" utterances during the electioneering campaigns.

Professor Mills expressed the hope that the construction of the road network would open up the district for agricultural activities and also ease transport problems facing the people, especially farmers, and attract investors after the construction of the Bui Dam.

He gave the assurance that preparatory work for the construction of the dam, including mobilisation of finance, was on course.

Prof. Mills said the road network would also enhance the prospecting of gold by Birim Goldfields at Nsawkaw.

He was, however, not happy that peace and security, which the district had enjoyed in the past, was being undermined by upheavals from religious and chieftaincy disputes culminating in the loss of life and property.

The Vice-President appealed to Nananom to co-operate with the government to solve the disputes. He also called on the people to rally behind the NDC to ensure a landslide victory in the December elections.

"Let's ensure that the Wenchi East parliamentary constituency seat is captured by the NDC. "Let's also ensure that I, Professor J.E.A. Mills, am voted into office as the next President of the Republic of Ghana to continue with the good and monumental works of President J.J. Rawlings."

The Vice-President and his entourage earlier called on the Paramount Chief of Wenchi, Osagyefo Abrefa Ampem Mmore Bediatuo VI, and his elders at the palace. The entourage also stopped at Chiraa where they interacted with the chiefs and the people.