Government spends GH¢146m on development projects in Eastern Region

The Government had so far spent GH¢146,008,815.03 on development projects in the Eastern Region since assuming office three-and-half years ago, Mr Victor Smith, the Regional Minister, said on Tuesday.

He said GH¢71,981,452.32 was spent on education infrastructure, GH¢2,647,925.03 on health, GH¢6,889,828.36 on commerce, GH¢26,417,198.51 on governance and GH¢10,253,834.48 on water and sanitation.

Mr Smith was speaking at the opening of a four-day Regional Policy Fair in Koforidua.

He said GH¢22,017,593.54 was spent on transportation and accessibility, GH¢413,384.87 on tourism, GH¢5,299,020.61 on agriculture and GH¢88,577.31 on electricity.

Mr Smith said the “Better Ghana Agenda” had led to the implementation of several policies, projects and programmes such as the elimination of schools under trees, distribution of free school uniforms, free laptops, exercise books and increase in the Capitation Grant.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin 11, the Okyehene, said for Ghana to become a great country, there was the need to take decentralization policy seriously.

He said centralization was now outdated and that at the time of independence, Ghana’s population was only 4.5 million, but had now it has risen to 25 million.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin said no matter who is in power, “we need to allow people who live in the communities have a say in their destiny”. He appealed to all to have attitudinal change and to obey the rule of law adding “If we do not change our attitude we go nowhere”.

“If you want to go into mining, go to the Minerals Commission and get a license and you will not be denied one”.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin noted that illegal mining activities were gradually “killing” the Eastern Region and advised chiefs who were behind the activities to put a stop to it.

Source: GNA