Regional News of Wednesday, 19 October 2005

Source: GNA

SYA asks government to develop Sekondi

Sekondi Oct.19, GNA - The Sekondi Youth Association (SYA) on Tuesday called on the government to pay more attention to the development of Sekondi.

Mr John Prempeh, Organiser of the Association, made the call in an interview with newsmen during a three-hour demonstration in Sekondi against the government's decision to site a new stadium at Essipong instead of Sekondi.

He said Sekondi was becoming "A dead city" with few industries and commercial activities that could offer employment to the youth. Mr Prempeh said the intention of the Association in fighting for building the stadium in the area was to enable the large unemployed youth to obtain jobs during the construction period. He said, "The hopes of the youth are dashed because the stadium is going to be put up at Essipong".

Mr Prempeh said if the stadium was not going to be constructed in the area, the government should help find employment for the youth. He denied claims that the Association had no respect for the Western Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Boahen, because they turned down his invitation to meet him to thrash out the problem about stadium yesterday.

Mr Prempeh said the invitation was extended to the Association at about 8.30 p.m. when most of its executives were not available. The demonstrators went to the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) to present a petition for the President through the Regional Minister but he was not around at that time. Mr Joseph Kojo Aduku, Regional Information Officer, received the petition.