Government is distributing free Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders, stoves and accessories to rural dwellers across the country.
President John Dramani Mahama in his State of the Nation Address pledged to freely distribute 50,000 LPG cylinders and accessories to some selected rural communities.
So far in the Northern Region, Central Gonja and Tolon districts have received their consignments for onward distribution.
The programme is christened, Rural LPG Promotion Programme and it was launched on the theme, “Promoting the use of LPG as a cleaner, healthier and safer fuel for cooking and creating jobs.”
At the launch in Tolon, Deputy Minister for Energy and Petroleum, John Jinapor said the programme aimed at discouraging the cutting of trees for charcoal burning.
He said environmental conservation remained one of government’s topmost priorities, hence the launch of the programme to save the nation’s ecosystem.
John Jinapor said anybody caught selling the items will face the full rigors of the law.
He thereby charged authorities of the beneficiary districts to supervise and monitor their use.
He reaffirmed government’s promise to implement more of such pro poor programmes to deliver its campaign promises in line with the Better Ghana agenda.
John Jinapor therefore called for peaceful co-existence to attract investors to the north.
John Jinapor claimed 400 communities in Northern Region will be hooked onto the rural electrification project.
District Chief Executive for Tolon, Seidu Abubakari disclosed that the district received 3,000 pieces of LPG cylinders, stoves and accessories.
He on behalf of the Regent and people of Tolon thanked government for the support.
Abubakari Seidu assured Tolon residents that there will be no discrimination in the distribution.
He however pleaded with the beneficiaries to promote the use of liquefied petroleum gas by putting the items to good use.
According to the Tolon DCE, government is piloting the programme to promote the use of liquefied petroleum gas.
He said the assembly will intensify its fight against desertification to conserve the environment.
Abubakari Seidu asked residents of Tolon to have faith in President John Dramani Mahama’s promise to improve their living conditions.
The Tolon Regent, Major Retired Abubakari Sulemana superintended over the distribution at the forecourt of his palace amidst drumming and dancing.
By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana