Akwatia (E/R), Jan 12, GNA- The Akwatiahene, Osabarima Kofi Boateng III, has called on Ghanaians to seek the national interest first as they approach the forthcoming parliamentary and presidential elections.

They should, therefore work to promote the growth of the country's democracy by showing maturity during the campaign.

The Akwatiahene said this at a ceremony at Akwatia on Sunday at which he was elevated from the status of "Barima" to "Osabarima" in the chieftaincy hierarchy of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area.

Osabarima Boateng stressed the need for a clean electioneering campaign devoid of mud slugging, lying and intimidation, adding that, "a free and fair election would be a victory for democracy." He called on his people to pool their resources to develop the town and said 2004 should be a year of active participation in communal labour to ensure sound sanitation.

Osabarima Kofi Boateng appealed to the government to build a bridge over the Birim River, to complete a road-building project undertaken by the people of Akwatia and Kusi to link the two towns as well as the improvement of the road between Boadua and Akwatia and in the township. The Kwaebibirem District Chief Executive, Mr. Yaw Yiadom-Boakye said the District Assembly would provide a borehole for the Abosomtwe area of Akwatia. The water would be pumped into an overhead tank and distributed through standpipes.

Mr Yiadom-Boakye said sanitation in Akwatia would be improved with a planned building of incinerators.

He said electricity in the town would also be extended to developing areas and gave the assurance that Akwatia-Boadua road would be rehabilitated.

Mr. Atta Peprah Gyamera, Vice-principal of the Akwatia Technical Institute, called for the provision of a hostel for girls to enable the institute to increase enrolment of girls.

He said about 200 girls who apply yearly for admission, only 10 were successful owing to accommodation difficulty.