Somanya (E/R), Dec 19, GNA - Mr Abraham Dwuma-Odoom, a Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has said there was the need for district assemblies to liase with traditional rulers and the rural community to accelerate development. He said community involvement in national development was a prerequisite for full participation of rural folks to move the country forward.

Mr Dwuma-Odoom, who was inaugurating the Yilo Welfare Club at Somanya, said the task of nation building was onerous for government alone to pursue and civil society organizations that have taken up the task to complement government's efforts ought to be commended. "There is also the need for Ghanaians to develop a positive mind set to harness efforts being made to make life better for us all." The Deputy Minister said the club should make it a priority to educate the community to register and benefit from the National Health Insurance Scheme.

''It will be expedient for them to establish an education endowment fund for brilliant but needy students in the community.'' He suggested that the unemployed in the community should also engage in farming to produce foodstuffs that the government could purchase for the free school-feeding programme next year. Mr Dwuma-Odoom commended the initiative of members of the club and urged them to work hard to be an example for those who do not contribute to rural development.

He appealed to traditional leaders to avoid land disputes that could impede foreign investments in the country. Mr James Awaitey, the President of the Club, said the club would undertake economic projects to raise living standards of members and the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area.

"We are basically an economic group and we do not seek to rival, compete or cause the disintegration of any such society or group, rather we shall cooperate with other societies, individuals and institutions to strive to promote our interest and that of Yilo in general", he said. Nene Narh Dawotey Ologo V, Paramount Chief of Yilo Krobo, commended members for the initiative and urged them to cooperate with other social clubs in the area to promote similar interests.

He said most clubs had collapsed due to mismanagement and advised them to be transparent and committed to their task to help develop the area.

Nene Narh Dawotey Ologo pledged to support the club and promised to revive the advisory committee of the traditional council that would support all institutions working in the interest of the area.