The aim of the programme is to bring to the general public what government has achieved so far in the Region, its intentions and how to achieve them.
STRATEGY:- In other to have a massive turn out, the Regional Co-ordinating Council wrote to invite all Municipal/District Chief Executives, Heads of Departments in Sunyani, the Regional House of Chiefs and all Press Houses both radio and private, Cinema van and radio announcements were also made.
Municipal/District Assemblies were further asked to bring ten (10) copies of photographs of development projects. They should be locally cited, and either completed and on going. With these pictures in addition to pictures from the photo library of the Regional Office of the department, a photo exhibition on the Region was also mounted.
A feature film on the region was also produced by the Regional Information Services Department and was shown before the commencement of the programme.
In his address, the Regional Minister congratulated the Aduana Football club for making hi
story and thus making the region proud, by wining the Premier league at a first attempt.
The Regional Minister mentioned that the region has a lot to give the nation economically as it produces about 30% of the country`s food.
The Regional Minister said that, during the previous year, subsidized fertilizer and other farming inputs were give to maize and rice farmers. The result was positive as the region recorded an increase in production of between 20% and 40% respectively.
On health, the Minister revealed that the region has 579 health centres, 3 health training institutions and the only modern physiotherapy centre in the whole country. He added that, health insurance in the region has a population coverage of 66%.
On education the Regional Minister said 160,000 free school uniforms and 717864 exercise books were received and distributed. He mentioned that plans are far advanced to establish a University of Energy and Natural Resources in the region. The Regional Minister lamented that only 58% of teachers in the region are trained and that do not augur well for quality education. He hoped the situation would improve.
Commenting on the tourist potentials in the region, Hon. Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo said they abound in the region but not tapped. He mentioned the Kintampo water falls, Buabeng-Fiema Monkeys sanctuary among others. He called on investors to assist in this area as it will open job opportunities for the youth.
On challenges facing the region, the Regional Minister mentioned the main one being chieftaincy. He said, at the moment there are as much as 63 chieftaincy cases pending in the Regional House of chiefs. The Minister also spoke about residential accommodation facing workers in the region. Saying that “the decision of the previous government to sell low cost houses without making alternative arrangement has worsened the already difficulty that the region faced.”
REACTIONS: - Mr. Samuel Dwamena of Berekum asked why no dates are fixed on receipts issued at toll booths.
Mr. Frederick Tetteh a reporter of the “Daily Guide” newspaper based in Sunyani asked why his newspaper was not invited to the programme, and other programmes of the Regional Minister.
Madam Akosua Fofie a 65 year of retired educationalist asked why Senior Civil Servants are predominantly non natives of the region. She wondered whether this could be to the fact that the region boast itself in being the suppliers of 30% of food the whole country and therefore not serious school goers?
A National Service Person of the District Office of Information Services Department, Tano North Mr. Kingsford Appiah Junior asked why personnel from the department are not given the necessary recognition at official function though they do all the “dirty work”.
Mr. Bruce-Mills of Sampa asked what government is doing to encourage cashew farming which is predominant in his district. Mr. Bruce-Mills explained that, buyers dictate the prices and they are very low. This serve as a big disincentive to the production of the crop.
The Regional Minister answered all the questions with occasional filling in by the chairman, Hon Minister for Information. The Regional Minister promised to investigate why the toll booths receipts are not dated and have the anomaly rectified. With regards to the Daily Guide`s reporter`s accusations, the Minister enumerated a lot of instances where out of “mischief” the reporter has gone to town. For example according to the Minister, he went to Tain with the former President Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings on a thanks giving tour.
Though they were not given anything as a gift or otherwise, he found to his dismay the following day a front page publication that, the entourage were given a stolen goat.
The Regional Minister answered Madam Akosua Fofie that Ghana is a unitary state. This means there are lot citizens of the region occupying very sensitive position all over the country. On the Mr. Kingsford Arthur`s allegation, the Regional Minister said all that he can say about the Information Services Department in the region is that, though, they work hard, their offices building is in bad shape and look dirty.
The Hon. Minister for Information answered Mr. Bruice Mills that, he will carry his information to the appropriate quarters.
CONCLUSION: - It was a very successful programme. Attendance was great. Not even a day`s postponement affected the programme.
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