Regional News of Saturday, 31 May 2003

Source: .

Mpohor Wassa East MP Denies Report

THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Mpohor Wassa East of the Western Region, Major (rtd) Samuel Amponsah, has described the demonstration by some chiefs in his constituency as a pure political mischief perpetrated to tarnish his image.

Major Amponsah, who was speaking at a press conference to react to allegations levelled by some chiefs against what they called, ?the MP?s inaction with regard to construction of roads in the constituency,? said he has been instrumental in pushing for the construction of roads in his constituency.

He said due to his persistence on the need to construct roads in the constituency, approval has been granted for work to start on the road in question; that is Daboase Junction to Atieku.Maj. Amponsah said chiefs in the constituency have always been advised to negotiate for development projects with their elders and particularly the youth when timber contractors and mining firms come to operate their divisional area.

?When chiefs start encountering problems from their communities then they turn round to make a scapegoat of the Member of Parliament,? he said.The MP enumerated a number of projects he has undertaken with his share of the MP?s common fund and mentioned the provision of 1,103 bags of cement, 115 roofing sheets and provision of 15 communities with good drinking water distributed to needy areas in his constituency.

Additionally, he said he supported the Teachers Award day in his district with ?11 million as well as supported brilliant needy children with scholarship in his constituency.He said during the last Parliament, the Western Regional Audit team commended him highly for judicious use of his share of the common fund.

He said the NPP government is implementing the SHED project through self-help initiatives and said Anyinabrim has not been forthcoming in providing any evidence to show that they are ready for assistance in spite of calls by the District Chief Executive, With reference to Ateiku, the MP said some efforts are being made to provide the poles and added that he personally contributed a substantial amount towards the realisation of the project.

Maj. Amponsah said communities like Ayiem, Botodwina, Sekyere, krobo and Nsuta were programme under the European Union Electrification project because of the union?s which commitment to the project and the problem of salinity of river Pra at certain times of the year. Maj. Amponsah said all the issues raised against him by some chiefs are unfounded.