General News of Saturday, 17 April 2004

Source: GNA

MP calls government to help ensure peaceful Aboakyer

Winneba, April 17, GNA - The MP for Effutu, Mr Mike Allen Hammah, has called on the Government and the Central Regional Co-ordinating Council to take immediate steps to bring leaders of rival factions in Winneba together to ensure a peaceful Aboakyer festival next month. Mr Hammah said the call had been necessitated by alleged conflicting dates published by leaders of the rival factions in the Effutu traditional area for the forthcoming Aboakyer festival of the chiefs and people in the area on May 1.

Making the appeal at a press briefing at Winneba, Mr Hammah was optimistic that if steps are initiated early to nib in the bud the looming misunderstanding among the leaders, much could be achieved to make the planned Aboakyer festival meaningful.

He said the festival does not only give the citizens of the area the chance to re-unite annually but also improve the economies of petty traders, hotel operators and other businesses in the Effutu capital, Winneba, patronised by foreign tourists and people from various parts of the country.

Mr. Hammah said all impediments should be made to ensure the sustainability and improvement in the organisation of subsequent festivals.

Meanwhile, the MP has advised leaders of the rival factions in the area to sink their differences and work together as a team for the good of their people. GNA