District Census Officer (DCO) for The Juaboso District Assembly (JDA) Mr. Ebenezer Ankamah has stated that spots of problems encountered notwithstanding, the exercise took a smooth course intended to enhance a successful end.
He pointed out that though, some of people being counted proved uncooperative initially, upon persuasion and education, they gave in and co-operate with the exercise, thus giving it a smooth drive, stressing that it was on course.
Mr. Ankamah made this known in an exclusive interview at Juaboso last week. He said that so far only a few people have refused to co-operate; but after education persuasion and explanation, they cooperated.
The DCO hinted that among the reason given by the people are; the burning down of galamsey equipment and banning of the entire exercise. Others too claimed that the exercise had been going on regularly but nothing meaningful had come out of it.
“But in all cases, if we educate them and explain the importance of it to them, the buck down and co-operate”, he hinted. He stated that if one refused to co-operated with enumerators the enumerator complains to his supervisor, and together, they go to the person. If that fails, then, they proceed to the Assembly man of any opinion leader in the community. If that fails, then they go to the Chief. If that fails then they involve the Police.
Explaining, Mr. Ankamah pointed out that the exercise is a national one, backed by an Act of parliament. “But so far we have not gone that far, meaning that we are on course,” he stressed.
EXERCISE IS IMPORTANT
Mr. Ankamah stressed further on the importance of the exercise and urged all and sundry to join as the results are used for developmental purposes. So if one does not benefit from it now, his future generation will. What is more, since it is done on only 10 yearly basis, All should therefore endeavour to join and co-operate for the enormous benefits associated with it now and future”, he advised.
EXERCISE POLITICIZED?
The District census officer rebutted vehemently any act of politicization associated with the exercise. He intimated that officials of his team comprised people from all the political divide and enjoyed same treatment and benefits.
By S. O. Ankamah, Sefwi Juaboso, WNR
