Asamankese, (E/R) April 2, GNA - The Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Ahmed Baba-Jamal, on Thursday, cut the sod for the construction of a GHC 170,000 Lorry Park for Asamankese.

The project, which forms part of the modernization of the Asamankese Township, is expected to be completed in six months. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Baba-Jamal appealed to the Asamankesehene, Osabarima Kwaku Amoah, and the Chief of Aworasa to exercise restraint while the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture addressed their land dispute amicably.

He expressed regret about land disputes among galamsey operators in the area and reminded the people of the West Akim Municipality that peace was required for the development of their communities. Mr Baba-Jamal commended the Municipal Chief Executive and the assembly members for execution of the project to revive the economy of Asamankese, in addition to a number of projects, in spite of the serious financial crisis the assembly faced.

He explained that the Municipal Assembly owed GHC 1,410,000.00, which included loans raised from the Koforidua Branch of the National Investment Bank, (NIB) for which the Common Fund was used as a guarantee, under the previous administration. Mr Baba-Jamal said as a result of that situation, the current administration could not use its common fund and had to depend on internally generated funds for development projects. He was happy to note that in spite of all these challenges the assembly was able to undertake a number of projects to improve upon the livelihoods of the people.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Seth Otchere, said the assembly had started decongesting the central area of Asamankese to help modernize the town.

The modernisation programme includes the development of a new suburb along the Asamankese-Suhum Road with all basic facilities. He said due to the financial problem facing the assembly, it was depending on its market revenue of GHC 2,000 per a week and appealed to the citizens of the municipality to support the assembly by paying their rent and rates promptly. Later, Mr Baba-Jamal inaugurated a two-roomed block and an office constructed by the American Peace Corps for the "Kweku Sae" Presbyterian Kindergarten School. 02 April 10