Wasa Akropong (W/R), March. 13, GNA - Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister on Saturday said one of the reasons for the recent increases in fuel prices was to lessen the country's over-dependence on donor support for development projects. He was addressing the annual Krokobooman Akwantukesee Festival of the Chiefs and People of the Wasa Amenfi Traditional Area at Wasa Akropong.

Mr Aidoo who is the Member of Parliament for Amenfi East, said Ghana spent about 200 million dollars on fuel last year, adding that the expenditure on fuel would have gone up considerably had the government decided to continue subsidizing the product. He said the government has decided to implement various development project estimated at four trillion cedis this year. However, it could not undertake these projects with internally generated funds if it continued subsidizing fuel. Besides, funds from donors for the targeted projects are not assured, he added. Mr Aidoo warned against illegal mining, known as galamsey, and advised those who want to go into small-scale mining to register to enable them obtain financial and technical support from the government. He asked the communities to take advantage of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) and send their children to school. Kasapreko Kwame Bassanyin III, Omanhene of the Wasa Amenfi Traditional Area, advised the people to obey the laws and pay their taxes.

Six individuals including President John Agyekum Kufuor and Mr Aidoo were honoured for their contribution towards the development of the area at the function.