Aiyinase (W/R), March 26, GNA - Plans are far advanced for the connection of all 18 communities in the Aiyinase North area in the Ellembelle District to the national electricity grid by the end of the year.

Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, a Deputy Minister for Energy, who announced this, said that it formed part of government's nationwide electrification project, to facilitate national development. Mr Buah, also Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, visited the 18 communities and distributed free school uniforms and books to school children.

He said that Government had resolved to improve the standard of living of Ghanaians, especially those in the rural areas, to enable them to effectively contribute to national development. Mr. Buah said that Government was concerned about problems facing farmers including hazardous weather, unavailability of potable water and accessible roads.

He said that the northern part of the district, which was hitherto not captured on the country's map, was now on the map through his strenuous efforts and deliberations with government. Mr Buah said that the area would benefit from a 24-kilometre cocoa road construction and promised to liaise with the Ellembelle District Assembly t o consider provision of boreholes for the people of Aiyinase North.

Mr.Peter Alu, an opinion leader of Ewereko, one of the communities visited, commended Mr Buah for the tour and efforts being made towards the development of the area. The District Chief Executive for Ellembelle, Mr. Daniel K. Eshun, expressed concern over the lack of adequate number of teachers in the area.

He appealed to the chiefs to forward the results of Senior High School students who had excelled in the final external examinations to the Assembly for sponsorship at the training college adding that they would be expected to return to the area to teach. Mr Eshun expressed worry the poor results of the Basic Examination Certificate Examination in the area and appealed to the teachers to help reverse the trend. 26 March 11