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Akufo-Addo points to technology and industry as high
priorities
Akpafu-Todzi (V/R), Feb 25, Ghanadot/GNA -
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, presidential candidate of the
New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said integrated technology
and industrialization would be his priorities should he
become the next president.
He said his government, driven by development in unity and
national reconciliation, would equitably distribute the
nation's wealth irrespective of political inclination, tribe
or voting patterns.
Nana Akufo-Addo was addressing the chiefs and people of
Akpafu-Todzi in the Hohoe District at the celebration of
their iron-smelting (Katore Iyi) festival.
The festival, a platform for socio-economic development,
seeks to recount the history of the people who, about 600
years ago, were noted for their mastery in iron mining and
fabrication of iron implements.
Nana Akufo-Addo said he would revive all dormant iron ore
mines especially at Akpafu, Adum Banso and Opon Manso in the
Western Region if given the mandate to lead the country.
He appealed to chiefs to encourage their people to show keen
interest when the Electoral Commission re-opens the voters'
register.
Mrs Rita Tani Iddi, Deputy Minister of Lands, Forestry and
Mines, said government was reconsidering plans for
feasibility studies to assess the country's potential in
iron ore and its development for industrialization.
She said the mining sector was crucial to the country's
economy and contributes about seven percent of Ghana's
corporate tax earnings, 41 percent of exports, 12 percent of
government revenue and five percent of gross domestic
product.
Mr Kofi Dzamesi, Volta Regional Minister, said government
was spending 3.5 million Ghana cedis on development projects
in the Akpafu area as part of its rural development
programme.
The Akpafu area would benefit from a 150-kilometre road
networks this year.
Nana Katani Nsurogya Akrasi, Paramount Chief of Akpafu
Traditional Area, said he was grateful to government for
responding to development needs of the area including the
new blocks at the Akpafu-Mempeasem Senior High School and
urged government to consider solving the residential
accommodation of teachers.
He called for the extension of School Feeding Programme to
the traditional area and asked that work be facilitated on
the areas link roads especially those at Sokpo, Odomi,
Adorkor and Akpafu junction-Todzi.
GNA
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