MILLS ATTRACTS CROWDS IN WESTERN REGION TOUR (PAGE 17)

THE people of Tikobo, Atoabo, Axim and Agona Nkwanta in the southern part of the Western Region on Wednesday held the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) “hostage”, went gay and demanded he address them.
At Atoabo and Tikobo, the campaign team moving to designated points met three roadblocks as the youth started chanting “all we are saying is for the professor to address us before we allow him to go”.
Professor John Evans Atta Mills, looking very sporty in his short-sleeved shirt, an NDC cap and a pair of jeans, with snickers to match, had no option but to address the people, shaking hands with them along the line.
At Nsein and Axim in the Nzema East District, there was a street carnival, with more than four brass bands and other traditional groupings in attendance.
Professor Mills said the Kikam Technical Institute which was closer to the community would be equipped to help service outboard motors and possibly assemble the motors locally.
Traffic came to a standstill as an anxious crowd waited for him at Agona Market. The market women left their wares to welcome Professor Mills by laying their cover cloths on the ground for him to walk on.
He commended the women for holding on to their trade and being patient with their husbands who had lost their jobs due to the prevailing harsh economic conditions that had forced employers to terminate the jobs of their husbands.
“Take heart; when we come to power, things will change and the smiles will find their way back to the faces of your men again. Remember that as children of God, we will never be forsaken by Him. I know most of you are now the bread winners but it shall be well,” he told the women.
He said he was aware of the torturous nature of the road linking their communities to major centres and that under the infrastructure development programme of his government, it would be taken care of.
Awulai Atibrukusu, the Chief of Axim and President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, urged Professor Mills not to forget his promises to the people.
He said the Western Region had contributed a lot to the economy but it had always being found chewing the bitter part of the development stick, adding, “We will not fault the first President for that but we are sure that when you come to power we in the western part of the country will have our share, for we have waited for far too long.”