President Kufuor begins a 2-day tour of Central Region

Awutu-Beraku (C/R), Aug. 6, GNA- President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday arrived at Awutu-Beraku to begin a two-day official visit to the Central Region.

A programme drawn for the visit included addressing durbars at Awutu-Beraku, Agona Nsaba, Ajumako and Bisease. The rest are Yamoransa, Mankessim, Ekumfi Narkwa, Gomoa Apam, Agona Nyankrom and Agona Swedru.

Addressing a durbar of chiefs and people of the Awutu Traditional Area at Awutu-Beraku, President Kufuor said ongoing developments in the rural areas were not for votes but that it was the responsibility of the Government to develop all parts of the country.

He pledged that there would be no discrimination in the allocation of development projects.

President Kufuor urged towns along the Mallam-Yamoransa road, which is under rehabilitation, to undertake effective planning and enhance the value of their lands.

The Awutu-Obrakyere Senior Secondary School (SSS) would be upgraded to match with other secondary schools in the cities, he said. He gave the assurance that New patriotic Party (NPP) would not rig Election 2004 and would conduct its campaign in a peaceful manner, devoid of insults, attacks and intimidation.

President Kufuor said the Government would deal drastically with any group of people that would want to disturb the peace in the country.

In his welcoming address, the Omanhene of the area and President of the Awutu Traditional Council, Abokuade Agyemang Otabie III appealed to political party leaders to ensure that, they conducted their campaign in a manner that would not create problems for the nation.

On behalf of the people, he thanked President Kufuor for the establishment of the Ayensu Starch Factory in the area, which he said had created more jobs for the people.

The Omanhene appealed to the President to ensure that, those whose properties including buildings demolished to give way for the rehabilitation of the Mallam-Yamoransa road were compensated.

The Central Regional Minister Mr Isaac Edumadze, who is accompanying President Kufuor on the tour, introduced Mr Oppey Abbey, NPP Parliamentary candidate for Awutu-Senya to the people.

Mr Kwamena Bartels, Minister of Private Sector Development; Mr Asamoah Boateng, Deputy Minister of Information; Mr Haruna Esseku, NPP National Chairman and some District Chief Executives in the Central Region and NPP activists are accompanying President Kufuor.