Chiefs told to purge their communities of trouble-makers

Akonfori (Ashanti Region), 24 Jan. '99,

Mr Peter Yaw Mensah, Atwima District Chief Executive (DCE), has asked chiefs to use their traditional influence in society to assist to curb the increasing acts of indiscipline among the people. He said they should address themselves more to the challenge of discouraging violence, insensitivity and flagrant disregard for law and order in their various communities. The DCE made the call at a meeting he held with the Chiefs and people of Akonfori at the start of a five-day working tour of some communities in the district. Mr Mensah noted that there could not be any meaningful progress in an environment of lawlessness, insecurity and fear and, therefore, asked chiefs, assembly and unit Committee members to join hands in purging the communities of trouble-makers by giving them up to the security agencies. Mr Samuel Kwasi Awuku, the District Community Development Officer, told them to ensure that they honour their tax obligations to the District Assembly in order to help strengthen its revenue base and boost its capacity to support the development activities of the communities. Mr J. M. Oduro, Deputy District Co-ordinator of the Non-Formal Education Division (NFED) of the Ministry of Education, advised adult illiterates in the area to enrol for literacy classes. He explained that the ability to read and write would not only help them to broaden their outlook but also put them in a better position to appreciate important national issues.