Chief of Bafoussam says culture must remain a driving force for development.

The paramount ruler of Bafoussam, Njitack Ngompe Pele, has called on the people of Bafoussam to adopt a plan of action intented to herald a start of an innovative approach to development from a standpoint of culture and cultural industry. Chief Ngompe Pele said the people of Bafoussam should use their tremendous cultural riches to enhance development. The chief of Bafoussam, was addressing the people of Bafoussam on 22nd August, in Bafoussam during the Bafoussam community cultural and development association, known in French as "ADEBSAM".

According to Chief Njitack Ngompe Pele, the cultural and development association must be restored to play its role of underpinning development. He stressed that creativity must be encouraged, while culture must become development priority. The paramount ruler of Bafoussam used the opportunity to condemn some rumour mongers who in the past have tried to sew seeds of discord between the people of Bafoussam and non-indigenes, accusing Bafoussam people of discrepancy and called on rumour mongers to stay away from the affairs of the village of Bafoussam. He said from time immemorial the people of Bafoussam have shown their hospitality to strangers, and promised that such good relations will continue to exist, and invited non-indigenes to join them in the

maintenance of peace and seek sustainable development in the city of Bafoussam.

For this part, the president of Bafoussam cultural and development Association (ADEBSAM) Mr Noumbissi Fopa Jean revealed that ADEBSAM has just one motive, promotion of culture and development of socioeconomic activities. He revealed that ADEBSAM with its number, and good organisational spirit was now able to manage its own affairs, especially economic development, that is the association's pioneer role. Mr Noumbissi Jean revealed that ADEBSAM was determine to take up the challenges, by providing a multimedia centre, a museum, and library for the Bafoussam palace, and promised to involve non-state actors, in the development process. He promised that the executive of ADEBSAM, will engage in a sustainable fund raising mechanism, capacity building programmes and strategies that are coherent for the development of Bafoussam. The ADEBSAM president also said he will

progressively promote dialogue among some elite who are distancing themselves from the development association. The ceremony was attended amongst others by the secretary general in the west governor's office. The government delegate to Bafoussam city council, political and religious authorities.