Saltpond (C/R), Nov. 8, GNA - The five paramount chiefs in the Mfantseman District and the District Assembly have expressed their gratitude to President J.A. Kufuor for elevating the area to the status of a municipality and assured the government that they would do everything possible to meet the challenges entailed. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Saltpond, Dasebre Kwebu Ewusie VII, Omanhene of Abeadze Traditional Area and spokesman for the paramount chiefs noted that the new status would attract investors and tourists and enhance the rapid development of the area. Dasebre Ewusie mentioned oil palm, citrus, pineapple, clay for pottery and the development of beaches as some of investment opportunities in the area.

He appealed to investors to help develop the Mankessim market, one of the leading commercial centres in the country into a modern one to befit the new status of the areas.

Nana Ataapim Kweenu VIII, Chief of Woraba and Mankrado of the Nkusukum Traditional Area said the elevation would encourage the assembly to take measures to develop its sub-structures. Nana Ataapim Kweenu who is also the Presiding Member of the Assembly stated that this would enable the Assembly to generate more funds for development.

Mr Robert Quainoo-Arthur, District Chief Executive noted that the elevation would enable the Assembly to benefit from the services of the Department of Feeder Roads, which would be one of the new decentralised departments.

"This will improve the road network", the DCE said. The Mfantseman District is one of the three new municipalities created last month together with 25 new districts.