Winneba (C/R), March 8, GNA - The Effutu Municipal Assembly, with th= e International Labour Organisation, has acquired 101 hectare in five communities in the Municipality for the Youth in Agriculture Programme. The Municipal Chief Executive, Nii Ephraim made this known at a parade= of school children to mark the 53rd Independence Anniversary at Winneba on Saturday. The anniversary was under the theme, "Investing in the Youth for a Bet= ter Ghana".

Sixty-one government and private schools in the Municipality participa= ted in the march past. The MCE said the lands are located at Ateitu; Gyahadze; Nsuekyir; New Winneba and Atekyedo, adding that, 20 hectares has been ploughed for the cultivation of maize, cassava and vegetables. Nii Ephraim urged the youth to channel their energies into productive=

works rather than engaging in things that would not progress their lives. He advised them to concentrate on their studies to be able to acquire=

the requisite skills and knowledge that would make them assets to the nation. "This is the only way the vision and passion of President John Evans Atta Mills for the developing the youth can be achieved by." The MCE said the Assembly had since November inaugurated two blocks three classrooms under the Community Based Rural Development Project (CBR= DP) for the Anglican School in Winneba.

According to Nii Ephraim the Assembly has also awarded contract for=

the construction of four other blocks of three classrooms with stores; KV= IP latrine and urinals for the Kojo Beedu, Mburabem, Akonfodze-Adae and Osubonpanyin communities. The total cost of the projects, which are at various stages of development, is GH¢164,984.87.

Three senior, junior and primary schools, which excelled in the march=

past, were each given a laptop computer with their accessories. They are the A.M.E. Zion Girls Senior High, Saint Paul Methodist Juni= or High and Donbosco Catholic Primary Schools. The Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Mr Mik= e Hammah and the Omanhene of Effutu, Neenyi Ghartey VII were among the personalities who attended the celebration. 8 March 10