Winkogo, (UE), Dec. 10, GNA - Mr Mark Woyongo, Upper East Regional Minister, on Thursday appealed to landowners not to allow the payment of compensation for their landed properties affected by development projects to affect the progress of the region.

The Regional Minister, who made the appeal during a sod cutting ceremony for the construction of a fence wall for the Bolgatanga Senior High School, indicated that there were a number of instances where some landowners and community members had prevented development projects from taking off.

He cited instances at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital and Navrongo School for the Deaf, which were resisted by a section of the people. Mr Woyongo said the region would not develop if landowners continued to become stumbling blocks, adding: "As landowners you should allow development projects to go on while you negotiate for compensation and payment." The sod cutting ceremony was delayed for a while because the Regional Minister and the school authorities had to appeal to some members of the Winkogo community who were opposed to the fencing of the school to allow the project to commence.

The protestors led by one Mr Paul Anerichema were of the view that the demarcation of the wall would affect the community's burial grounds and shrines.

Narrating his side of the story, the Headmaster of the school, Mr Didacus Afegra indicated that the school authority met with the chief of the area, Naba Moses Akanzua and the elders of the community including Mr Anerichema, who agreed that the educational facility could go ahead with the project on condition that it would not intrude upon the burial grounds and the shrine.

He said he was surprised when Mr Anarichema ordered the school's labourers to stop work on a small portion they were asked to clear for the sod cutting ceremony to take place. Plans are underway by the school authorities to meet with other members of the community who are also claiming that the construction of the wall would affect their lands.

The chief appealed to the people to exercise restraint and allow the construction of the wall to go ahead. He said any negative encounter with land developers would undermine the development of the area. The Ghana Education Trust Fund is funding the project being executed by Plan Construction Limited in response to an appeal made by the school during its 40th anniversary celebration.