Banso (Ash), Feb 16, GNA - Dr Lord Justice Gyamfi-Fenteng, the District Chief Executive for Asante-Akim South, has urged Ghanaians not to undermine the role of unit committees in the local government system. He said unit committees formed the basis of the local government structure and must be strengthened to ensure a solid foundation for the nation's democracy.

Dr Gyamfi-Fenteng was speaking at the inauguration of Area Council and Unit committees on Thursday. He said since the district assembly concept was people-centred the roles of unit committees were crucial to achieving participatory democracy at the grassroots.

The DCE said he was not enthused about the blatant disregard for unit committee members in various communities and appealed to committee members to continue to patriotism. He noted that the works of unit committees were voluntary and it was imperative for people to appreciate their efforts in order to whip up interest in district level elections. Miss Georgina Bimpong, the assembly member for Banso on behalf of her colleagues pledged their commitment to serve the community and the district. 16 Feb 06