The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned two hand pump wells at a total cost of 22.8 million cedis for the people of Kukurantumi and Old Tafo in the East Akim district at separate ceremonies.

Nana Akufo-Addo contributed 16.8 million cedis while the Adonten Community bank provided the hand pump and accessories towards the project.

Each of the well cost 11.4 million cedis.

Speaking at the function, Nana Akufo-Addo disclosed that the Akim Tafo water project would soon be rehabilitated to solve the water problem facing the people in the area.

He said the government has allocated 50 million cedis to assist the East Akim district assembly for the construction of the Kukurantumi market, while the Kukurantumi-Akyem Asafo road would also be rehabilitated.

Nana Akufo-Addo, who is also the member of Parliament for Abuakwa explained that when the NPP took over power, the country's coffers were empty which resulted in the government's bold decision to go HIPC.

He said although people criticised the government's decision, the people are now benefiting from the HIPC initiative through the construction of roads, schools and health facilities.

Osabarima Nana Kena Ampaw, who is the chief of Kukurantumi and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Adonten Community bank expressed gratitude to the MP for his gesture, which showed his concern for the welfare of the people in the constituency.

He pledged that the facilities would be put to good use and maintained regularly to prolong its life span. He appealed to the people to buy shares in the bank.

The East Akim District Chief Executive, Mr Emmanuel Victor Asihene said the assembly has initiated a number of projects, including the building of a library and a market at Kukurantumi.

He therefore, called on the people to support the assembly's efforts in the realisation of its objectives.

At Old Tafo, Nana Akufo-Addo said the NPP government would win the 2004 elections to enable it continue with the socio-economic development of the nation.

He appealed to people of Old Tafo to desist from negative tendencies which would retard the progress of the town and asked them, to unite, support and co-operate with the DCE for the development of the town.

Mr Asihene expressed concern about the writing of letters about him by some people in Old Tafo and stressed that such acts would not augur well for the development of the area.