Minister appeals for peace

Nkoranza (Brong Ahafo), 17 Feb. '99 -

Mr Donald Adabre, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, has appealed to the people of Nkoranza to abandon violence in the resolution of problems for the peaceful and sustained development of the area. He stressed that the frequent use of violence by various groups in the district has for instance caused either the removal or transfer of certain key personalities from the district. Opening the first session of the district assembly at Nkoranza yesterday, Mr Adabre said the increasing use of violence, instead of lawful and peaceful methods, has had a toll on the image and development of the district. He appealed to the assembly and chiefs in the area to help rid the district of this culture of violence by constituting themselves into arbitration committees to settle problems amicably and promptly. "No meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of tension, hostility and fear, and we must help promote peace among ourselves and in our communities to ensure rapid development", he stated. Mr Adabre, who is the acting district chief executive (DCE) for the area tasked the assembly to set up a complaints bureau to find a quick solution to the conflict over the ownership and management of the town's lorry park. On the government's decentralisation programme, Mr Adabre stressed the need for principal actors as DCE's, chiefs, members of parliament and assemblymembers to be aware of their responsibilities and rights. He said the government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had done a lot to strengthen the decentralisation process to empower the masses to participate in decision-making through the provision of the necessary institutional and financial support. The presiding member of the assembly, Mr D. Offei-Fosu called for unity and commitment to the implementation of programmes of the assembly to help speed up the development of the area. GRi.../