Cape Coast, May 3, GNA - Dr Pea Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Energy, on Sunday, called on the people of Cape Coast to aspire and transform the Municipality to regain its pre-independence glorious days.

He said, it was unfortunate that Cape Coast, and for that matter, Central Region, which is the "cradle of education" and used to be the seat of Government should today be confronted with problems that could have been avoided.

Dr Nduom expressed these sentiments at Cape Coast, at the thanksgiving service of the Central Regional Prayer and Evangelisation Conference (CENTRAPEC) to wind up a five-days programme, which was under the theme: "Towards Progress, Development and Transformation."

CENTRAPEC is a non-denominational annual prayer session started in 2002, with the aim of mobilising Christian to engage in earnest, co-operate prayer for the progress, development and transformation of Central Region and the Nation as a whole.

Dr Nduom, who was the Guest of Honour, said the development of the Region was the responsibility of all the people in it and, therefore, called on them to commit themselves to acts that would enhance its socio-economic development.

The Minister said it was unfortunate that some junior secondary schools in the Region scored zero per cent in the 2003 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Dr Nduom asked the District Assemblies, Traditional Rulers and all stakeholders in education, to make meaningful contribution to address the falling standards.

He also urged Assemblies to ensure the enactment of byelaws that would compel parents to send their children to school, in conformity with the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (F-CUBE).

He said the Government was committed to the provision of infrastructure to open up the Region to tourists.

It was in this light that work on the Kasoa to Yamoransa road had begun in earnest to reduce the spate of accidents on it, he added. He advised the people to ensure that the Election 2004 campaigns were peaceful, stressing that, they must vote for humble and hard-working politicians, who have the welfare of the people at heart.

Ms Christine Churcher, Minister of Basic, Secondary and Girl-Child Education, asked the people to discard the notion that "The Crab" which is the symbol of the statehood of Cape Coast was responsible for its retrogression.

She said, the forefathers of the place chose the crab because it had some good attributes, and therefore asked the people to contribute their quota towards the development of the town.

Ms Churcher, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Cape Coast said, "once we have gathered and prayed to God to develop the land for us, God would answer our prayers", stressing that it, was left for them to play their part.

Mr Isaac Edumadze, Central Regional Minister, called for total support and commitment to develop the place adding that the Region belonged to them and nobody would come to develop it for them. He said education, governance and other good things started in the Region but because the people did not attach much value to them, today, "we cannot pride ourselves with them".

Mr Edumadze asked the people to be proud of the Region and the Nation as a whole, and to strive to hold in high esteem all of its social values, customs and traditions.

Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area, in a welcoming address asked the people to refrain from undue criticisms, backbiting and character assassination, and always give praise and encouragement when necessary.

He commended the organisers of CENTRAPEC and asked them to make it an annual affair because of the good things associated with it.

The Reverend Abubakar Bako, General Overseer of Logos Rhema Foundation, asked Journalists to be circumspect in their reportage and desist from sensationalism that excite the public.

He prayed to God for an end to the water problem in Cape Coast and surrounding communities and asked for God's guidance for good governance and peaceful coexistence, to enhance the prosperity of the nation.

Among those who attended it, were District Chief Executives, Businessmen and Businesswomen, the clergy and people from all walks of life. 03 May 04