Offinso (Ash), Jan. 26, GNA - Dr Owusu Achaw Duah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Offinso South, has called on chiefs in the area to ensure that no space was given to individuals with selfish ambitions to exploit the Chieftaincy institution to create tension and tear the people apart.

"Chieftaincy, a revered and time-tested institution, must always serve as the rallying point for development and progress of our communities and should not be used to foment conflicts." Dr Duah was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on the Omanhene of the Offinso Traditional Area, Nana Wiafe Akenten III, at his Offinso Palace.

Newly elected Member of Parliament was accompanied by the District Chief Executive, Mr A.C. Ntim, to go and express his gratitude to the Offinsohene and the Council following his victory in the Offinso Constituency Parliamentary By-election held in October, 2006.

Dr Duah observed that there could not be any meaningful development in an atmosphere poisoned by disunity, suspicion and lack of cooperation.

He said it was on the basis of this that the people should agree to join hands and work together with a single sense of purpose to move Offinso forward.

The MP used the occasion to appeal to the Chiefs and Elders to encourage people in their communities to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), saying, the benefits to the poor were enormous.

"This is an intervention that would make quality health care easily accessible, particularly to the poor, and which, we must all take advantage of."

Nana Wiafe Akenten pledged the Council's support and cooperation to help to speed up the development of the area. He said they would work closely with him and the District Assembly to bring more progress to the people.