CEDECOM to be repositioned

The Central Region Development Commission (CEDECOM), would be repositioned to become more commercial rather than technical towards poverty alleviation in the region, ranked as the fourth poorest in Ghana.

Mr Aquinas Tawiah Quansah, Regional Minister, announced the measure at a news conference in Cape Coast, following a directive by President John Mahama that the commission should formulate a development strategy that would provide government, the road map to move it from its current “unacceptable” status despite its vast resources.

He gave the assurance that he would hold series of talks with the commission to re-strategise towards the industrialization of the region.

CEDECOM, established in 1990, is the specialised technical/commercial wing of the Central Regional Coordinating Council (CRCC) with the core mandate of catalysing the promotion of micro, small and medium scale enterprises and tourism related activities in the area to facilitate development.

Mr Quansah promised to delve into accusations of misappropriation of funds, among other measures to ensure that the purpose for which the commission was established is achieved.

He enumerated his major plans of industrialising the region and identified prioritised areas to include the revamping of Komenda Sugar Factory, agro processing with particular focus on fruit juice production, fish processing at Elmina, ceramics as well as took pick production.

He explained that these prioritised areas were inspired by the vast availability of resources such as Bamboo and other trees such as “sokodua” (in Akan), citrus, sugarcane and clay deposits.

Mr Quansah indicated that the industrialisation would come with the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some roads and the provision of water and energy supply.

He debunked speculations that government had left Saltpond Ceramics to collapse, saying the company was privately owned.

He said government is planning to set one up another factory, which would be sited near the clay deposit.

Answering a question on the CRCC’s effort in ensuring that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, play their developmental roles well, the minister said the council has in place a mechanism that keep them in check and they are actively involved in the development agenda of the region.

On education, Mr Quansah expressed dissatisfaction about the inability of basic school graduates from the Cape Coast Metropolis to attend the “good” second cycle institutions in the region and suggested the need for the enforcement of the 30 per cent quota system for students in the catchment area.

He urged the media to cross check facts before publishing stories about the region since negative reportage could scare investors away.

“Be circumspect in your reportage and dedicate yourselves to the projection of the region especially its tourism potential and with tenacity of purpose, we can achieve greater things for the region,” he said.