Assembly outlines alternatives to replace wee cultivation

The Tain District Assembly in the Brong-Ahafo Region is providing alternative livelihood for the youth in order to take them away from the cultivation of marijuana, which is reportedly on the ascendancy in the area.

The Assembly is also offering free tractor ploughing services during farming seasons and has drawn up a scheme to supply inputs on credit to the youth who are engaged in the cultivation of cash crops, other than the drug.

The executive committee of the Assembly outlined these at its second session meeting at Nsawkaw.

During deliberation of members, Mr. Emmanuel Simon Kwadwo Owusu, District Chief Executive, expressed concern about the notoriety that the district had gained in "wee" cultivation and stressed the need to redeem its image.

Mr. Owusu urged Assembly Members to educate the people about the adverse effects of narcotics on society and advised them to rather cultivate maize, millet, yam, cassava, groundnuts and vegetables.

The District Chief Executive noted the protracted chieftaincy disputes among five paramountcies in the area and called on the regional House of Chiefs, as well as the Minister for Chieftaincy Affairs, to ensure their speedy resolution.

Mr. Owusu commended the Assembly Members for their co-operation and active participation in the decision-making process and not getting involved in chieftaincy disputes.

He urged security agencies in the area and officers at the Bui dam projects site to execute their duties with professionalism to maintain peace and order in the communities.

On the district mutual health insurance scheme, Mr. Owusu said the people had shown an increasing interest in the programme and were registering in their numbers.

He said about 26,699 persons had registered with the scheme, representing an increase of 42 percent over last year's enlistment.