Minister asks chiefs not to seek personal interest

Annto-Aboso (WR), May 30, GNA - The Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo has entreated chiefs in the region to always seek the development of their communities and people first before their personal interest and welfare.

He asserted that some chiefs instigate the youth to demonstrate and disrupt the operations of companies working on their land just because they have not benefited financially from them.

'There are occasions I have to personally intervene and settle litigations between chiefs and some companies in my office, and when I delved into the matter, I realised that the chiefs have not gotten money into their pockets from the companies,' he stressed

Mr Aidoo gave the advice when he inaugurated a six-unit teachers' bungalow worth GH₵ 250, 000 donated by Westrock Quarries Limited to Annto-Aboso Junior High School at a ceremony at Annto in the Shama District.

The facility has been furnished with beds, writing desks and chairs which would accommodate six teachers.

The minister noted that the region is endowed with many natural resources which are being exploited by multi-national companies and yet, some of these companies default in fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities.

He appealed to corporate institutions to support the government's efforts at improving the quality of teaching and learning.

The Chief Executive Officer of Westrock Quarries limited, Mr Sam Kwofie, said the decision to put up the edifice was boosted when a female student from the community won the Presidential Special Award in the Basic Education Certificate Examination during the 2011/2012 academic year.

He said although the gesture forms part of the company's corporate social responsibility, it aimed at enhancing the quality of teaching and learning, as well as support the overall development of the community.

He said 50 per cent of the company's workforce was employed from communities around its operational area and assured that it would always seek the welfare of the people in the area.

The Acting President of Shama Traditional Council, Nana Kwamena Wieno II who chaired the function, expressed the hope that the facility would aid in curbing teacher-absenteeism and enhance quality teaching and learning.

GNA