Duayaw Nkwanta (B/A), Aug. 11, GNA - Mr Ignatius Baffour Awuah, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, has called on traditional authorities to lead in the crusade to prevent diseases, promote education and alleviate poverty to help advance the nation's development. He said that could be achieved through education and that was why there was the need for every Ghanaian individual to be educated. Mr Baffour Awuah made the call at the launch of the 40th anniversary celebration of the enstoolment of Nana Boakye Tromo III, Omanhene of Duayaw Nkwanta Traditional Area in Tano North District of Brong-Ahafo at the weekend.

The launch was aimed at mobilising funds for the establishment of Tromo Educational Fund to support brilliant but needy students in the district studying at the senior high schools and tertiary levels. Mr Baffour Awuah said that if children were educated on issues such as sanitation, it would help curb the spread of certain diseases and urged the public to contribute their quota to help improve and maintain proper sanitation in the region.

He advised traditional authorities not to be selfish but rather to embark on activities that would benefit the people, including the establishment of schools, hospitals and job creation for the youth. The Regional Minister commended Nana Boakye for his efforts towards education and pledged his support towards the sustainability of the educational fund. Nicholas Lenin Anane-Agyei, Tano North District Chief Executive, emphasized the important role of traditional authorities and urged the people to respect the authority of chiefs. He asked them to allow chiefs to solve conflicts and misunderstandings amongst them amicably to maintain peace and stability in their communities to prevent court cases. "Chiefs have a major impact on maintaining and promoting culture," he said and encouraged the youth to consult chiefs to know more about Ghanaian culture. Mr Anane Agyei lauded the efforts of chiefs in the country's development and called for effective collaboration between them and politicians to help develop communities. Nana Boakye urged the public, especially the youth to avoid acts that could mar the peace before, during and after the December general election and appealed to NGOs, churches, other organisations and individuals to contribute to the Tromo Educational Fund.