Agona Swedru (C/R), Mar 8, GNA - Mr Samuel Oppong, Former NDC MP for Agona West, has called on members of the Agona Swedru branch of the Masons Association to take advantage of the opportunities in the country to upgrade their skills.

"Technology in the country is improving fast and there is the need for you to take up the challenge instead of wasting your time," he said. Mr Oppong was speaking at the inauguration of the Agona Swedru branch of Manson Association at the weekend at Swedru.

The Former MP noted that apart obtaining higher qualifications the Association could organise workshops and seminars for the members to update their knowledge to manage resources judiciously.

He advised the executive members of the association to liaise with the National Board for Small Scale Industry (NBSS) and the Business Advisory Centre (BAC) for assistance.

They should also take group Insurance for job safety in future and to contribute to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). He cautioned the members against the dreadful disease HIV/AIDS and urged them to abstain from indiscriminate sex that would disrupt their future plans.

Mr Yaw Baah, Chairman of the Association, appealed to the Agona District Assembly to assist them through the Poverty Alleviation Fund. He said the members have embarked on a campaign to educate the people about the dangers of HIV/AIDS and appealed to Non Governmental Organizations and philanthropists for assistance to help fight the spread of the disease, which has no known cure.