Cape Coast, Nov 19, GNA - The Presidential candidate of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom on Tuesday, pledged that the party would reverse the Central Region's classification "as the fourth poorest region" in the country. He said he would achieve this by improving the fishing and tourism industries, as well as invest in education and information technology. Dr Nduom made these promises, when he paid a courtesy call on the Central Regional House of Chiefs to solicit their support, in his bid for the presidency.

The CPP Presidential candidate, cited several industries established during the Dr Kwame Nkrumah regime in the region, such as the Komenda sugar factory, bamboo factory at Assin Fosu, Saltpond Ceramics and the Pomadze poultry complex, which have all collapsed. He said he would revive all the collapsed industries when he wins the election, to generate more employment for the people. Dr Nduom told the chiefs to support him, not because he is a native of the region, but because he is the best man for the change Ghana needs.

He was unhappy that despite the many water bodies along the coast, the nation imports US$200 million worth of fish every year. He said in order to reverse this trend, his administration would provide modern fishing harbours in the region, check illegal trawling, and ensure non-interference in the sale of pre-mix fuel. He also intends to establish a pension scheme for farmers and fishermen in the region, and said the private sector would be supported through financial assistance and joint venture arrangements with government to establish processing factories to ensure better living standards for farmers.

According to Dr Nduom, he would also ensure the growth of the tourism industry, and make the region "the heart beat of the industry", by constructing an airstrip within two years of his administration, and develop "a full scale tourist airport within five years". The CPP presidential candidate also touched on his plans to improve education and promised to re-introduce free, compulsory education, from kindergarten to senior high school so that every child in the country can get a good education.

He promised financial and technical support for the development of a Technology Centre in the region to complement ICT facilities at the UCC and the School of Medical Sciences. Mr Lardi Nylander, national chairman of the CPP, commended the chiefs for their immense contribution towards the development of the country, and asked them to vote massively for the party to move Ghana to where it deserves to be. Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi, Omanhene of Abeadzi-Dominase traditional area and the newly elected president of the house, deplored the tension building up as a result of the forthcoming election, and exhorted Ghanaian to accept whoever emerges the winner, to forestall chaos. The CPP parliamentary candidates in the region were also introduced to the house.