Fante Bawjiase (C/R), July 6, GNA - Mr Nketia Sarpong, European Union (EU) Director for the Central and Ashanti regions, has stated that litigation delayed the Fifth EU Micro Projects in the Agona, Awutu-Effutu-Senya and Gomoa districts of the Central Region. He warned that areas EU projects were delayed as a result of land dispute would be "blacklisted", adding that, it could also compel the Union to reduce its budget in the district.

Mr Sarpong was speaking at the inauguration of a 124-million-cedi Teachers Quarters at Fante Bawjiase in the Agona District. He noted that community participation had become a problem even though enough education had been carried out.

Mr Sarpong stated that 24 billion cedis was invested 303 projects in the Central region and urged Unit Committees and Assembly Members to educate chiefs and land owners to stop litigation to ensure effective development.

The Director commended the Mfantseman, Abura-Asebu-Kwamanakese and Lower Denkyira districts and said they were "litigation free", which contributed to the early completion of the projects.

Mr John Kwesi Agyabeng, MP for Agona East said education was a priority of the government and would continue to provide basic infrastructure to improve teaching and learning.

He stressed the need to improve working conditions for teachers and urged communities to make efforts to provide accommodation for teachers in rural communities.

The MP noted that cost sharing in education was important and appealed to parents to invest more in their children's education as a form of social security.

Mr Agyabeng expressed appreciation to the EU for its continued financial support for the micro project programme, which had helped to improve the living condition of the people through the provision of education, health, water and sanitation facilities in rural areas. Mr Chris Doworna-Hammond, new District Director of Education, urged the people to maintain the building to prolong its use. He said the construction of a quarters would encourage teachers to stay in the town instead of commuting to and from the urban centres to promote teaching and learning.