Offinso (Ash), May 15, GNA - Dr. Owusu Achaw Duah, Member of Parliament for Offinso South, has appealed to citizens of Offinso, especially those living in the Diaspora, to take advantage of the elevation of Offinso to a municipal status and invest in the area. He said the upgrading had brought challenges such as the need to expand schools, health facilities, feeder roads and other basic social amenities to correspond with the growing population. Speaking at a meeting of the Offinso Traditional Council at Offinso on Tuesday, Dr. Duah suggested the institution of a Development Fund geared towards meeting the needs of the people. The MP said he had stepped up efforts to promote education in the area to enable the youth to be equipped with the relevant skills and expertise.

Dr. Duah appealed to residents of Offinso to avail themselves of the many opportunities and programmes instituted by government such as the National Youth Employment Programme. Nana Wiafe Akenten III, Paramount Chief of the Offinso Traditional Area, said elders and sub-chiefs in the area should desist from illegal and wanton sale of land earmarked for development projects. He said the council would not hesitate to penalize those who would involve themselves in such practices. Nana Wiafe Akenten said a planning committee would soon be instituted by the council to prepare for the "Mmoanninko Festival" that aims at uniting the people.