Nana Akonnor Bekai Ababio V
Traditional leaders of the Akwamu State have called on the government to urgently address poor road infrastructure and accelerate development projects in Akwamuman and the broader Asuogyaman District of the Eastern region.
Speaking during the 4th Akwasidae celebration held at Bogyawe Palace in Akwamufie, under the leadership of Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, the Omanhene of Akwamu, Nana Akonnor Bekai Ababio V, Osomanyawa, (Chief Administrator) of Akwamu, expressed concern about infrastructure projects.
“Our roads are in very bad shape. The previous government started some road construction and we are pleading with the current government, our MP, our DCE, and the roads minister to ensure these projects are completed.”
Nana Bekai, who also serves as Ayokohene, Mankrado of Akwamuman, and Guantoahene of Akwamu, emphasised that despite the Akwamu people’s historical contributions to Ghana, including providing the land for the Akosombo Dam, the area has not received adequate infrastructure development in return.
“If you look at how Akwamu people have helped the government of Ghana, even to the extent that when Kwame Nkrumah was not around, it was the Akwamuhene who took charge of the state, then we deserve better roads and development,” he added.
He also raised concerns about lands originally given by Akwamu for the construction and protection of the Akosombo Dam, many of which remain under government control decades after the project’s completion.
“Akwamu gave the land to the government for the Akosombo Dam. For protection, additional lands were taken, but the project has been completed for years. Those unused lands must be returned to the allodial owners, the chiefs,” Nana Bekai said.
“The government didn’t pay any compensation when they took the land. That must be addressed.”
On recent reports suggesting that Akwamu chiefs were opposed to the government’s land reclamation efforts led by Clemence Gyato, the government-appointed consultant in charge of safeguarding encroached state lands, the chief clarified that the traditional council fully supports the initiative.
“We saw media reports saying we oppose the work of Clemence Gyato. That is very false. We support the work the government has tasked him with,” Nana Bekai stated.
Clemence Gyato, the consultant in charge of reclaiming encroached state lands, confirmed collaboration with the Akwamu leadership. He noted that the Lands Ministry had dispatched his team following reports of unauthorized buildings near the Volta River.
“The chief has seen what is going on and has promised to support us in addressing these illegal structures,” Gyato said.
“We will do an inventory and ensure land allocations are handled properly. Anyone building illegally on government land will face demolition, regardless of how long the structure has been there.”
Gyato also announced plans to establish a monitoring camp in the area to enforce land regulations and stop further encroachment.
The programme was attended by several dignitaries, including Thomas Ampem Nyarko, Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman and Deputy Minister of Finance, and Abigail Elorm Akwambea, CEO of MASLOC.
AM/GA
