Sankore (B/A), Sept. 27, GNA - Mr. Eric Opoku, Brong-Ahafo Deputy Regional Minister, on Friday advised the people of Sankore in Asunafo District to bury their political differences, unite and initiate development projects that would help to improve their living standards. He asked them to forget about the acrimony and petty squabbles that characterized the 2008 Election and ensure peace needed for progress. Mr. Opoku gave the advice when he addressed the chiefs and people of Sankore at a sod cutting ceremony for the construction of a Senior High School (SHS) at the town.

The Deputy Minister expressed worry that Sankore lagged behind in development because of political hostilities and appealed to the people to resort to dialogue in settling differences. Mr. Opoku said that the project that was initiated by the people in 1998 came to a halt due to financial difficulties. He said that the Sankore Traditional Council had made available accommodation for teachers and the assembly would support the SHS with teaching and learning materials.

Mr. Opoku expressed concern about low standards of education and school drop-out rate in the area and appealed to the chiefs to support the assembly to enact a bye-law to prevent school children from attending social functions instead of studying. Alhaji Collins Dauda, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, who was at the ceremony, urged the people to promote peace and unity for development.

He urged members of the Sankore Traditional Council to avoid chieftaincy dispute and partisan politics and work towards the development of the area. Alhaji Dauda said a re-forestation project would start in January next year in the area and appealed to the Council to release land for the programme. Okogyeadee Yaw Adusei III, Omanhene of Sankore, assured government of the support of the Traditional Council in the execution of the project. He appealed to government to upgrade the Sankore health center into a hospital and rehabilitate roads in the area to facilitate economic activities. 27 Sept 08