Prang (B/A), April 27, GNA - Participants at People's Assemblies in Brong Ahafo have commended the government for instituting the concept and expressed the hope that the government would continue to institute such useful policies to help accelerate national development. The assemblies were held separately at Prang, Kumfia and Kajaji, farming communities in Pru, Atebubu and Sene districts respectively.

The various speakers noted that the People's Assembly concept had given the masses the opportunity to express their views and aspirations, as well as a platform for them to offer constructive criticisms. They commended the government for the capitation grants to schools and the national health insurance scheme, which had greatly relieved parents in the education of their children.

At Kajaji, Mr Andrew Adjei-Yeboah, Deputy Minister for Lands Forestry and Mines, disclosed that the government was designing policies to woo private investors in tourism to boost eco-tourism. In line with this, he said, the government was determined to enhance infrastructure development at the various tourist centres to attract more tourists.

Mr Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister reiterated the government's commitment and preparedness to promote the development of the private sector and infrastructure, as well as modernized agriculture to ensure the rapid growth of the economy. He urged the people to solidly rally behind the government for attainment of such goals.

Mr Baffour-Awuah advised the people to concentrate on dealing with matters of the economy, infrastructure development and good governance, adding, "The People's Assembly is not a platform to discuss chieftaincy issues".

Nana Owusu Achiaw II, Chief of Kumfia, expressed concern about the deplorable state of the road network in the area and appealed to the government to rehabilitate them to facilitate easy movement of the people and farm produce.

He said because of the nature of the road during rainy season the farmers found it very difficult to transport their produce to Atebubu market since drivers refused to ply on the roads. The people of Prang also called for a police post to enhance security in the area.

They expressed concern about the influx of armed Fulani herdsmen in the area, whose activities were sabotaging their economic activities. The people emphasized concern about the spate of armed robbery that threatened market potentials and appealed to the Regional Coordinating Council to mobilize security personal to check the herdsmen and possibly evict them from the area.

Mr Yaw Ntow Ababio, Member of Parliament for Dormaa East took the participants through the process of the Representative of People's Amendment Bill and other useful policies of the government. Mr Francis O. Boateng, Regional Coordinating Director, Mr Cassius Osei-Poku, Atebubu-Amanten District Chief Executive (DCE), Alhaji Iddrisu Gariba, Pru DCE and Mrs. Cynthia Tereku, Sene DCE were present at all the assemblies. 27 April 06