Regional News of Thursday, 14 April 2005

Source: GNA

Regional Minister addresses Assemly

Keta, (V/R) April. 14, GNA- Mr. Kofi Dzamesi, Volta Regional Minister on Wednesday lauded as healthy the overture for cooperation from the Regional Parliamentary caucus, mainly made up of Minority, National Democratic Congress (NDC) legislators towards his administration.

"For the first time the MP's from the opposition visited and congratulated me as the Regional Minister with their unflinching support towards the development of the region," said.

"That is wonderful and proactive," he added.

Mr Dzamesi was addressing the Keta District Assembly, which was attended by Madam Theresa Ameley Tagoe, Deputy Minister of Lands and Mines, Mr Joe Ghartey, Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Gladys Ashitey, Deputy Health Minister and some District Chief Executives. He said the approach of the MP's was a healthy sign for the elimination of mistrust among them along political lines and enhancement of ideas and resources for the region's development.

Mr Dzamesi noted that the argument against the recent fuel price adjustment were non-feasible, explaining that the country could not continue subsidising fuel products which were mostly consumed by the rich few.

He said, that could not continue at the expense of the much needed revenue for development projects for the benefit of the poor. "Let us avoid the politics of lies and deceit," he said.

Reacting to questions during question time, Mr Dzamesi said his outfit was liaising with management of the depressed Juapong Textiles Limited (JTL) in the handling of the eminent closure of the company to avoid the loss of over 1200 jobs.

Other questions and comments centred on the final completion of the Keta Sea Defence project, current sea erosion at near-by Horvi-Havedzi , high energy cost and vegetable farming and establishment of a University in the region.

Mr Dzamesi said apart from a Mission University in the offing, the Ho Polytechnic, which would next year start a degree programme, with the infrastructure, could be considered for one.

Madam Tagoe said the revenue from the fuel products go into the running of free education at the basic level and social relief programmes in the interest of the poor.

Mr Ghartey asked the people to come together to develop their areas, saying the government would continue to play its part. Dr Ashitey asked the people to embrace the National Health Insurance which ensures their health security at all times. Mr Kofi Ahiabor, Keta District Chief Executive asked the people to assist in developing the area for the general good of the people. 14 Apr. 05