Wenchi (B/A), July 2, GNA - Nana Atta Fena, Wenchi Municipal Chief Executive, has commended traditional authorities for their tremendous assistance to the assembly in initiating development programmes in the municipality.

Nana Atta Fena was addressing chiefs and senior citizens of the area at a party to mark Republic Day at Wenchi on Tuesday. He gave the assurance that since traditional rulers are the embodiment of the people, the assembly would regularly contact them to initiate and execute programmes for the benefit the people. Nana Atta Fena commended the Zongo communities in the municipality for their peaceful co-existence with the people and urged them to work harder and erase the wrong perception that "Islam is a religion of violence".

He said the government was committed to continue undertaking development projects that would enhance the living standards of the people.

The MCE appealed to the people, more especially traditional authorities to eschew divisive tendencies and to promote the development of the municipality. Nana Atta Fena urged the unemployed youth to channel their exuberance into productive ventures that would make them self-reliant and desist from unhealthy practices that could ruin their lives. Most of the senior citizens who spoke at the function commended the government for the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme, school feeding programme and the capitation grants. Nana Abrefa Kwadwo Nketiah VII, Omanhene of Wenchi Traditional Area, attended the function.

As part of the celebration, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Association of Keep Fit Club organised fun games for members at Wenchi. In all 26 clubs drawn from the Municipal and District assemblies in the region participated in soccer and volley ball and Nana Atta Fena donated GHC 200 to support the games.