Gomoa Panfokrom (C/R), July 13, GNA - The Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, Mr Stephen Kojo Asamoah-Boateng has inaugurated a 500 million cedis dormitory for Panfokrom Women's Training Institute.

The inauguration of the dormitory block, which was provided by the Gomoa District Assembly, coincided with the Institute's 49th Graduation. Mr Asamoah-Boateng advised the graduands to make good use of the training they acquired to enable them to support their parents whose sweat made it possible for their training, while appealing to their parents to continue to support them to stand on their feet.

Mr I Ayanaba, Acting Director of the Department of Community Development said his department had so far established 20 Women's Training Institutes and four Community Technical Institutes throughout the country.

He expressed concern about encroachment on the Institutes lands by private estate developers thus depriving it of land for future expansion.

Mr Ayanaba appealed to district assemblies to provide funds to protect lands belonging to educational institutions and other government establishments.

Mr Michael Agana, Central Regional Director of the Department of Community Development, appealed to the Administrator of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to provide the Institute with a vehicle, improve the infrastructure needs and also to absorb part of the fees paid by parents for practical lessons.

Ms Rebecca Ampa-Korsah, Headmistress, gave a catalogue of problems facing the Institute including accommodation, vehicles, bad roads and water.

She said the Institute had trained 2,000 women since it was established in 1957.

Mr Sam Quarm, MP for Gomoa East, whose wife was a product of the Institute, commended the Headmistress and staff for working under difficult conditions.

He promised to use part of his share of the Common Fund to solve some of the problems facing the Institute.