By Charles Tawiah, GNA
Toase (Ash) Oct 14, GNA – Mr Michael Amoah Awuku, Chief Executive of Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality Assembly, has suggested the use of Community Watchdog Committees to fight illegal mining and other negative environmental activities in communities.
He explained that community members lived in galamsey areas and could therefore, identify where and when illegal miners operate and thereby inform the security agencies for action.
He, therefore, entreated chiefs, assemblymembers and opinion leaders to consider and implement the idea to protect the environment and natural resources.
Mr Awuku was addressing a mini durbar at Toase in the municipality to inaugurate a block of 26 lockable stores built at a cost of GHC 999,527.00.
The project was undertaken by the assembly with funds from its share of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) and the Response Factor Grant (RFG), to promote economic activities and improve the livelihoods of the people in the area.
He pointed out that soldiers and the other security agencies could do their best to stop the activity in the daytime but those illegal miners could operate in the night after the soldiers had closed and left the site.
The prevention of the activity would, therefore, be effective with community members’ involvement.
Nana Yim Awere Ababio, Toasehene thanked the Assembly for the project since it justified the voting of the people in the area.
The MCE also commissioned a 30-bed maternity ward at a cost of GHC 316,000.00 for the Asakraka Health Centre.
It was funded with parts of the assembly’s share of the common fund as part of efforts to provide quality health and maternal care for the people in the community.
“Only healthy persons can work, give birth, hold positions and even vote,” he added.
He mentioned some achievements of the government in health, education, agriculture, economy, transportation and electricity, and urged the people to maintain the government to complete the on-going projects.
Madam Shirley Tiwaa Kyei, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate who accompanied the MCE, asked the people to vote for her and Dr Mahamudu Bawumiah for more development projects.
Nana Aboagye Asare, Hiawu Beseasehene, thanked the Assembly and called for the completion of a road construction work in the area.
GNA