Big Ada, Aug. 13, GNA - The Chiefs and people of Ga-Dangme lands have celebrated this year's Asafotufiami Festival, under the theme: "Culture, A Platform For Unity And Development," at a grand durbar held at Bid Ada.

Dzetse Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku the Third, Chief Priest, who doubles as the Paramount Chief of the Ada Traditional Area, sat in state and received homage from his subjects.

Addressing the people, Dzetse Nene Akuaku, regretted that even though the festival was a time of repairing the ravages of war, Ada was still at war, not with any of its neighbours, but with under-development, perennial and persistent devastating sea erosion along the Ada coastline.

This, he said, had brought the Ada Songhor Lagoon, the life blood of the people, under threat.

Nii Armah Ashiety, Greater-Accra Regional Minister assured the people that government was doing all within its power to resuscitate the Ada Songhor Salt Industry, to help produce adequate salt for the emerging petrol-chemical industry.

Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, Minister of State, said government would ensure that all Ghanaians lived in peace and unity, cautioning that the nation would not compromise on security issues.

Mr Enoch Teye Mensah, Minister of Social Welfare and Employment advised the fishing communities to desist from engaging in child labour and child trafficking activities.

Mr Rex Daniel Wussah, Dangme East District Chief Executive, said the district has so far received a total of 383 school uniforms, whilst 2,000 more were expected for distribution in the next few weeks.

Mr Wussah added that, 129,449 free exercise books had also been distributed, whilst another 67,566 would be received later for distribution.

Mr Alban Bagbin, Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, disclosed that plans were underway to provide potable water for rural communities.

Mr Alex Narh Tettey-Enyo, Minister of Education, and Mr Alfred Abayateye, Member of Parliament for Sege, pledged their support towards the development of the District Assembly and the Ada Traditional Council.