Agona Swedru (C/R), Nov. 14, GNA- The Central Regional Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has spoken against the high rate of land and chieftaincy disputes in the region, saying it was impeding the area's development.

Mr A.L. Arthur, Deputy Regional Director of the Commission, said presently, about 185 land cases were pending before the Cape Coast High Court.

He was presenting a paper at heads of department meeting, organised by the Agona District Assembly to officially welcome Mr G.B.L Siilo, District Co-ordinating Director, who is posted to the district. Mr Arthur said there were 52 petitions and appeal cases on chieftaincy disputes pending before the Regional House of Chiefs as at May 2003.

He stated that a survey conducted by the commission has shown that illiteracy rate in the region was low and that women constituted 60 percent. He said the land tenure system in the Central Region was not encouraging to potential investors in the region.

He therefore asked landowners to liase with the government to improve the system.

The Deputy Director urged District Assemblies, chiefs and civil organizations to intensify their educational programmes on vital issues to improve the standards of living of the people.

He said the Commission had been tasked to create awareness in the communities to understand, appreciate and support government's efforts at reducing poverty.

Mr Arthur said the NCCE would soon launch a programme to create awareness on the need for peaceful co-existence of citizens for the realisation of good governance.