Buoyem (B/A), March 21, GNA - The Chiefs and people of Buoyem in the Techiman Municipality have honoured an American Peace Corps couple, Mr. Eric Kramer and Mrs. Kate Kramer by for their contribution towards the development of the area.

Mr and Mrs Kramer who had lived in the area for the past one and half years devoted their time to the improvement of the Buoyem Mpirisi Sacred Grove and tourism among other activities.

Nana Dwamena-Akenten, Chief of Buoyem in a citation at a durbar, described the couple as having patiently and courageously carried their assignment with love and humanity.

Nana Dwamena-Akenten said, apart from their contribution towards development projects in the area, the couple also encouraged the management committee of the Mpirisi Sacred Grove to embark on a tree nursery and the construction of a green fire belt around the 369-hectre Grove.

He noted that apart from taking part in many development projects they helped in sensitising the people on HIV/AIDS through drama, which have had a great impact on the people.

Nana Dwamena-Akenten commended the couple and the people of Mangoase, Twa and Akonkonti for protecting the Eco-Tourism area from bush fires.

Madam Mercy Derkyi, Executive Director of Ghana Association for the Conservation of Nature (GACON), urged the people to eschew partisan politics could divide them and to support the Association in the development of the area's eco-tourism.

She said the NGO had plans to provide the Information centre with computers and to hook the GROVE onto the Internet.

Mr. Everson Addo-Donkor, Assemblyman for the area expressed his gratitude to the volunteers for their role towards the construction of a 150 million cedis Guest House consisting of an exhibition room, an information room and a large hall to promote Eco-Tourism in the area. The couple commended the Chiefs and people of Buoyem for assisting to develop eco-tourism in the area and said they had been privileged to work with them.

They also praised the girls of the Buoyem Senior Secondary School for helping them in their campaign against teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS and expressed the hope that they would continue to assist others who might come to continue the work.

Mr and Mrs Kramer were given traditional sandals (Ahenema), kente cloths from the Chief of Buoyem, GACON, students of Buoyem and Techiman Secondary Schools as well as the management committee of the Mpirisi Sacred Grove.

An appeal for funds yielded 2.1 million cedis.