Poverty reduction not putting money in pockets

Oda-Akrofonso (E/R), May 17, GNA - Poverty reduction does not mean giving money to people to put into their pockets, the Birim North District Chief Executive (DCE), Nana Frempong Acquah, has said. The provision of potable water, good road network, access to quality health-care delivery, good education and infrastructure, as well as opportunities to promote business and access to micro-credits on soft terms are all poverty reduction interventions, the DCE pointed out. He was speaking at Oda Akrofonso near Afonsu in the Eastern Region to mark the National Constitution Week under the theme, "Local Participation and Social Auditing for Poverty Reduction.

Nana Acquah noted that the Poverty Alleviation Fund introduced sometime ago to reduce poverty had not achieved the desired impact. The DCE said that the District Development Plan would end by the end of the year and called on communities to pass on their priorities to the Assembly for the 2006-2010, plan.

He gave the assurance that electricity would be extended to the town and its environs by the end of the year.

Mr Nicholas Ofori Boateng of the Eastern Regional Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), called on Assembly and Unit Committee Members to monitor projects in their electoral areas to ensure that contractors executed quality jobs as their civic responsibility.

Mr Justus Danquah, District Director of the NCCE, stated that the observance of the Week was an indication that Ghanaians have resolved not to accept the overthrow of an elected government through the use of arms.

It was also a reminder that it was the obligation of everyone to sustain, protect and defend the constitution at all times. He said the Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government started a pilot programme, "Reducing Poverty through Citizens Participation in Local Governance" in 20 Districts including Birim North last year.

The Chief of the town, Nana Adarkwah Gyamerah II, commended the government for constructing a new classrooms block for the local primary school.

The Queen mother, Nana Akosua Kesewaa, advised the youth to refrain from indecent dressing and to avoid immoral practices that could make them HIV/AIDS victims and to concentrate in their studies to become responsible citizen in future.