Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, on Monday assured traditional authorities in the region that his administration would consult and share ideas with them to facilitate the progress of the region.
He said since chiefs were embodiment of the people's culture and aspirations, they were the right persons to be contacted when identifying and solving problems that confronted the people.
Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo gave the assurance when he interacted with members of the Standing Committee of the Regional House Chiefs in Sunyani.
He said even though chiefs were barred from engaging in active partisan politics, there was the need for them to bury their differences and support government to ensure pace and national development.
Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo appealed to the House to resolve the numerous chieftaincy disputes and land litigations in the region.
He expressed concern about the upsurge of drug abuse among the youth, especially students in second cycle institutions, which had contributed to the rise in crime in some communities.
Osahene Kwaku Aterkyi, President of the House, commended Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo on his appointment and pledged that the chiefs would support him to discharge his duties.
He praised President Evans Atta Mills for appointing the Ministers of Lands and Forestry, and Chieftaincy and Culture from the region and charged Alhaji Collins Dauda and Mr. Alexander Asum-Ahensan, respectively, to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in them.
Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo who interacted with the staff of the Sunyani Regional Hospital, said government was committed to providing accessible health care for the people.
Dr. Daniel Asare, Medical Superintendent of the Hospital, said that 80 per cent the hospital's clients had registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
He said the hospital operated through its internally generated funds and appealed to the NHIS to settle about GHC 100,000 it owed to the health facility.
Dr. Asare appealed to government to assist provide the hospital with staff accommodation to facility health delivery.