ADIDOME -- Togbe Kwao Anipati, Fiaga of Mepe Traditional Area, said at the weekend that the Volta Region was still "an electoral `World Bank` for the highest development bidder".

He said: "the region, one of the deprived in the country, is yearning for development and would support any political party or government that would meet its aspirations".

Togbe Anipati, President of North Tongu Chiefs Association, was speaking at the passing out of 128 liberated "Trokosi" women after three years' vocational training at the International Needs Vocational Training Centre at Adidome.

The women, trained in hairdressing, kente weaving, batik tie and dye making and baking, included 52 from the Akatsi district, 58 relatives of Trokosis and 18 non-Trokosis from deprived communities in the region.

Togbe Anipati explained that the region's support and loyalty to the former government and party was based on the development-oriented policies it adopted and implemented for the people.

He said until the emergence of PNDC/NDC regime, the region had not seen development, growth and improvement since the overthrow of First Republic, adding that the former government reversed this with some development projects.

"This is why we supported the National Democratic Congress and the onus lies with the New Patriotic Party government to focus on the development of the region".

Togbe Anipati assured the government of support and cooperation of the chiefs and people of the region to develop the nation and improve the living conditions of the ordinary man.

The Reverend Walter Pimpong, Executive Director of International Needs, said the centre had trained and equipped over 200 women and integrated them into society.

He expressed regret that certain people had been attempting to frustrate and discredit International Needs' efforts to help women who are under bondage through Trokosi and Fiashidi practices.

Mrs Agnes Okudjeto, second National Vice-chairperson of the NPP and former Principal of the centre said: "Freedom and Justice, the national motto, would remain meaningless until every single woman in bondage is freed and given her God given freedoms".

She said Trokosi and Fiashidi practices were still prevalent in some communities in the region.

"I come from the region and I have personally visited shrines and also had the rare opportunity of actually working with some of these women who have gone through harrowing experiences," she added.

Mrs Okudjeto said changing old customs and practices was not easy and called on people from the region and other parts of the country to bury all differences and personal interest in Trokosi and help save women from abuse.

The women appealed to the government and NGOs, including International Needs, to extend assistance and training facilities to other unfortunate women still under bondage at shrines.