NPP is committed to develop the country - Aliu

Nkroful(W/R), April 28, GNA - Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Vice President on Friday said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Government was determined to ensure an even and balanced development throughout the country. He said this was in line with the vision to make Ghana achieve a middle-income status by 2015.

Alhaji Mahama made the observation when addressing a durbar of Chiefs and people of Nzema dubbed "The Journey to Nkroful" at Nkroful in the Nzema East District.

It was organised by the Western Regional Planning Committee of Ghana @ 50 as part of activities marking Ghana's 50th independence anniversary celebrations.

Alhaji Mahama said the northern parts of Nzema East District had been earmarked to undergo face-lifting activities. These include the rehabilitation and construction of the Asomasi-Brepro road, Kwesikrom Junction-Kwesikrom road, Gwira/Aiyinase-Tumentu road and a bridge over River Fure.

Others were the tarring of Axim, Esiama, Aiyinase and Alabakazo town roads.

Alhaji Mahama announced that rehabilitation of Teleku Bokazo-Asasetre road had been advertised and awarded on contract soon after tender.

He said electrification of the area was being considered by Government adding; "The area not being connected to the National Grid is a worry to Government.

Efforts would be made to ensure that the area including Gwira Traditional Area were hooked onto the National Grid." Alahji Mahama said Government in its determination to provide electricity to the area had submitted a list of 16 towns to the Ministry of Energy for consideration. On education, he said plans were far advanced to upgrade the Nkroful Agriculture Senior Secondary School and work would start this year.

In addition, two boys hostels would be constructed for Esiama Senior Secondary School and Awiebo-Bonzu Kaku Senior Secondary Schools. Alhaji Mahama directed Mr Joshua Kwajah-Elimah, Nzema East District Chief Executive and the District Manager of Ghana Water Company to draw a programme for the provision of potable water to the northern sector of the district regularly.

Mr Freddie Blay, Member of Parliament for Ellembelle and First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, said the present generation shared the vision, sacrifices and good works of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's First President. He paid glowing tribute to Mr R.S. Blay and George Pa Grant for their pivotal roles in the emancipation of Ghana from colonialism.

Awulae Annor Adjaye III, President of Nzema Manle Council, said Nzemaland deserved better than its present status. He noted that Dr Nkrumah ensured the total development of Ghana but successive governments had neglected Nzemaland.

Awulae Adjaye said the mortal remains of Dr Nkrumah that would have been a tourist attraction to generate income for the area was now in Accra.

He appealed to people from the area to unite to improve their living standards adding "The time has come for Nzemas to unite as a people with a common destiny under the Nzema Manle Council to develop our area that has been neglected for years."

Awulae Adjaye appealed to Government to rename the Evalue Dwira Constituency as Ajomoro Evalue Dwira Constituency. Adwubia Kpanyinli, Head of Nkrumah Family at Nkroful called on Government to reconstruct the Nkrumah Family House at Nkroful, that was demolished after his overthrow in 1966.

He also urged Government to handed over to the family the Royal Palace at Nsuaem that was being used as a Police Station. Adwubia Kpanyinli suggested that part of the proceeds from Dr Nkrumah's mausoleum should be used to rehabilitate the dilapidated house of his mother at Nkroful.

Dr Julius Garvey, son of Marcus Garvey, a Pan Africanist, was enstooled Safohene of Nkroful.

Alhaji Mahama later inaugurated a five-member committee to manage a two billion cedis development fund for Nkroful launched by Mr Anthony Evans Amoah, Western Region Minister. 28 April 07