Winneba (C/R), Nov. 23, GNA - The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) last Friday organised a two-hour political debate for five out of the six parliamentary candidates contesting the Effutu Seat in Election 2004.

Candidates, who participated in the debate, designed to offer the aspiring parliamentarians, the opportunity to educate and convince the electorate, included Mr Isaac Arthur Aidoo and Mr Frank Ebo Sam both Independent Candidates.

The others were Mr Sunu Niiquaye of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Mr Mike Allen Hammah, National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Madam Adelina Dennis, GCPP.

The NPP Parliamentary Candidate, Mr Samuel Kofi Owusu-Adjei, however, could not take part in the forum, which was attended by a number of followers of the various political parties contesting the elections.

Topics treated by the candidates included, local government and decentralisation, HIV/AIDS, corruption, accountability and transparency, mainstreaming gender, national and local security, agriculture and food security.

All the speakers gave the assurance that when voted into power they would exploit all the necessary avenues to improve sanitation, fishing, health, education, sports with special emphasis on soccer, food and live stock production and, above all, create employment opportunities for the jobless in the Constituency.

On HIV/AIDS, Madam Adelina Sam promised to set up special committees to cater for the well-being of people living with the disease and also solicit financial and material support for them to prolong their lifespan.

Mr Mike Hammah, who is the sitting Member of Parliament (MP) for the area told the people that he had already completed plans for the establishment of an industrial park in the Constituency as from next year, and appealed to the electorate to re-elect him to enable him to implement the plan.

Madam Bernice Sam of CDD, who moderated, called on the electorate in the area to endeavour to exhibit the highest sense of self-discipline and comportment in the interest of national peace and progress.