Abesewa (Ash), April 3, GNA - A total of 25 million cedis was realised at a fund-raising harvest organised by the chiefs and people of Abesewa in the Ahafo-Ano South District in aid of a one-billion-cedi water project.

The money came through levies of 30,000 cedis per female citizen and 50,000 cedis per male.

Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister, who was the guest of honour, donated five million cedis towards the project. Addressing the gathering, Mr Boafo stressed the need for all leaders to be development-oriented, adding, " good leadership and committed followers were commendable tools for social development". He urged the youth to take interest in farming and form co-operative groups to enable them benefit from the President's Special Initiative (PSI) on Oil Palm.

The Regional Minister called on the people to do away with tribal and political differences as well as chieftaincy disputes, which could undermine peace and unity needed for development.

Nana Kankam Amenado II, chief of Abesewa, advised his people to eschew apathy and backbiting and support their leaders in all developmental efforts.

He also called for the unflinching support of all citizens living outside to help make the water project a reality. Mr Sampson Amofa-Krah, Ahafo-Ano South District Director of Education, who presided over the function, commended the chiefs and people for the initiative, which would prevent the people from contracting water-borne diseases.

He called on the people to step up campaigns on the National Health Insurance Scheme for more people to embrace it to ensure maximum health care.