'Peace and security are my major priorities'-Victor Smith

Koforidua, May 12, GNA - Mr Victor Smith, Eastern Regional Minister, has assured that peace and security would take a centre stage in his administration to enable the people to carry out their legitimate business without any let or hindrance.

He said the recent swoop by a combined team of police and military personnel to arrest 28 Fulani herdsmen and some Ghanaian accomplices in the Kwahu East and South Districts for various atrocities, including the murder of two farmers, was a clear indication that his outfit would stop at nothing in defending the people.

Mr Smith appealed to all the districts, municipalities, traditional authorities, social societies as well as all other stakeholders to complement the efforts of the Regional Security Council to ensure that peace prevails at all times.

The Eastern Regional Minister gave the assurance at a meeting of the Regional Coordinating Council in Koforidua, on Friday.

He said a major security concern in the region was the illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, adding that, the security agencies were on top of the situation.

Mr Smith said the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as a political party that professes the principles of social democracy, since assuming office three and half years ago had worked strenuously to ensure that the people of Ghana, irrespective of their tribe, creed or political affiliation had access to basic social amenities and protection.

He said one important ingredient of good governance that could not be swept under the carpet was transparency and accountability in resource generation, allocation and project management.

Mr Smith urged public officers in key positions, especially those in the district and municipal assemblies to be transparent in all their transactions, so that the scarce resources available at their disposal were judiciously utilized in the best interest of the people.

The regional minister urged Municipal and District Chief Executives, and Heads of Department to consolidate the political, economic and social gains that the government had so far achieved.

He said the government had demonstrated adequate goodwill by the distribution of infrastructural projects throughout the region.

“We have a responsibility to educate the masses to appreciate the good works of government and the party” he maintained.

GNA