Amasu (B/A) Feb. 07, GNA - Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Railway, Ports and Harbour Minister on Wednesday said government would not extend

the capitation grant to private schools. He has therefore, appealed to Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) to enter into negotiations with school authorities and proprietors to settle the problem of payment of high school fees.

He explained that the idea behind the introduction of the capitation grant was to afford parents who couldn't afford the payment of fees in the private schools, the privilege to send their wards to the public schools and increase their chances of acquiring quality education. Prof. Ameyaw- Akumfi was responding to a question about possibilities of extending the capitation grant to the private schools at a Peoples' Assembly held at Amasu in the Dormaa District of Brong-Ahafo.

He said, what the government had to do was to provide the enabling environment to ensure the development of the private sector. "Government cannot enact laws to collapse private investment. These are people who have accessed bank loans for their businesses and you don't expect them to run at a loss. It was left with parents to make informed choices but government cannot do anything about this," he added.

Mr. Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister said he would see to the multiplication of the jethropha plant, for the manufacture of biodiesel, by ensuring the supply of seeds to the district coordinator of the National Youth Employment Programme for onward distribution to interested farmers.

Squadron Leader Benjamin Anane Asamoah (rtd), DCE, said the rehabilitation of the Dormaa- Gonokrom road and other trunk roads have been awarded on contract.

He appealed to the youth to take advantage of the NYEP to better their lives.

Nana Appiah Anponsah, Chief of Amasu expressed concern about the destruction cause by bushfires in the community and appealed to the government to help address the problem.

During question session, Nana Yaw Bonsu, called on the government to ensure the reduction of the price on building materials, especially cement or consider establishing a cement factory in the area. Prof. Ameyaw Ekumfi stated that it would not be possible since the area lacked the needed raw materials for the production of cement.

Ms. Amanpon Kusi, a physically-challenged person appealed to the government to buy him a new wheel-chair to replace the spoilt old one and the Regional Minister promised to act on his request. Atia Ajato appealed to the government to extend electricity and water to the remote parts of Amasu. 07 Feb. 07