Community holds People's Assembly

Atuna (B/A) April 28, GNA - A participant at a People's Assembly at Atuna, a border town in Jaman district of Brong Ahafo, has called for the strengthening of the country's borders to check the influx of people from neighbouring countries.

Mr. Owusu Mumuni, a farmer, alleged that whilst most of them entered the country though unapproved routes, those who passed through the checkpoints did not undergo any rigorous check by the security officials.

He suggested the demand for identity cards as being done in some countries.

Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Minister of Railways, Ports and Harbours, who led a government team, called on, especially Ghanaians living in border communities to assist the security agencies to arrest the situation.

He expressed regret that some Ghanaians were rather sheltering such "intruders" and urged all to be patriotic enough to report questionable characters to the law enforcement agencies.

Superintendent Kwadwo Oppong, District Police Commander, appealed to the people not to hesitate to volunteer information on issues to the police.

"Let us combine efforts to provide security for all, which should not be the responsibility of the security agencies alone", he said.

Commenting on a call for a check on the general immorality and indiscipline among the youth, Mr. Johnson Ofori-Asubonteng, acting District Chief Executive explained that the Assembly would soon come out with by-laws to help check the attendance of students and pupils at video shows, dances and funerals.

He however, urged the people to help make the laws work for the accelerated socio-economic development of the area. A participant drew the DCE's attention to the closure of a customs barrier at Atuna to which Mr. Ofori-Asubonteng promised to liaise with the customs authorities for the free flow of goods and services and the opening of job opportunities for the people.

Explaining the HIPC benefits, Mr. Andrew Adjei-Yeboah, Deputy Minister of Lands and Forestry said the international community had confidence in the Ghanaian economy and are willing to help her. He said the HIPC benefits could be seen in every part of the country.

At a similar function at Drobo, Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi explained that the Bawjiase cassava factory was a pilot one and the facility would be extended to all districts.

"Government has a plan but the private sector is also invited to participate in the cassava industry", he added. A retired Information Officer, Mr. Diawuo Benneh called for instant death for armed robbers when caught, "for making life miserable and unsafe for both Ghanaians and foreign investors in the country."