Saboba(NR), March 12, GNA - Mr Azumah Namoro Sanda, Saboba/Chereponi District Chief Executive has stressed the need to honour hard working Ghanaians as part of activities to mark Ghana's 50th anniversary celebration to promote nation building.

He said most Ghanaians had contributed immensely to the nation's development but their efforts had not been recognised, adding: "They deserve the necessary recognition and honour to motivate others." Mr Sanda made the suggestion when presenting awards to 10 teachers and four retired workers during the celebration of Ghana's Anniversary Day at Saboba.

The award winners were presented with television sets, roofing sheets and bicycles.

Personnel at the Saboba Medical Centre were also awarded for not joining the strike action by health workers nation-wide last year. Mr Sanda read President John Agyekum Kufuor's anniversary speech and reviewed a colourful march past by school children and voluntary organisations.

He commended chiefs and people in the district for maintaining peace in the area and called for unity to sustain the prevailing peace and security.

However, Mr Sanda expressed regret that in spite of public education against forced marriages and betrothal, the practice prevailed in the district and called on parents and guardians to help stop the practice.

He noted that land dispute was another challenge facing the district and appealed to the chiefs and opinion leaders to focus on development to enhance the living standards of the people. As part of activities to mark the anniversary, there was a colourful durbar of chiefs and people of Saboba and its surrounding communities to showcase the culture of the people. 12 March 07