Korlekope (G/A), Feb. 13, GNA- The Chiefs and Headmen of Ada Traditional Area (CHATA) have expressed their preparedness to operate the Songhor Salt Project to benefit the entire Ada community.

The CHATA said they have investors, both local and foreigners readily available and capable to operate the project when given the opportunity. The CHATA comprising all the 12 clans in the Dangme East District has called on the government to repeal the PNDC law 287 to enable it execute its intention.

The CHATA said if after one week the government does not respond to their plea "there would be a take-over of the operations of the Songhor Salt Project".

These were contained in a statement signed by Mr Joseph Amartey Tackie, secretary of the CHATA and issued after an hour peaceful demonstration held at Korlekope to register their protest against government delay in releasing the project to them despite persistent reminders. The CHATA explained that in 1974 the then government took charge of the project in trust of the people but it compulsorily acquired it in 1997 by a law.

In 2001 the statement said the NPP government promised to repeal the law within six months and later in 2002 proposed to form the Ada Songhor Salt Development Authority.

The statement said a compensation was to be to be worked out for payment to the Vaccum Salt Company Limited and the Star Chemicals Company Limited before the law was repealed but it failed to honour its promises.