Regional News of Sunday, 4 November 2007

Source: GNA

Akyempim Traditional Council concerned about siting of district capital

Gomoa Potsin, C/R, Nov. GNA- The Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Council has appealed to President John Agyekum Kufuor to consider the circumstances surrounding the siting of the newly created Gomoa East District Capital at Gomoa Afransi instead of Gomoa Potsin as was collectively agreed upon.

Nana Ahunako Ahor Ankobea II, President of the Council and Omanhene of Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area, made the appeal on behalf of the council at a press conference, attended by the chiefs, Queen mothers and opinion leaders of the area at Gomoa Potsin on Friday.

He said during to run-up to the creation of the district, the two Paramount chiefs, the two MPs for the District, Mr Richmond Sam Quarm and Mr Joe Hackman, Madam Joyce Aidoo, the District Chief Executive, Mr. Oscar Abban, Presiding Member, chiefs and opinion leaders from the Traditional Areas held a meeting at Apam on January 7, 2007 where they took a decision of the siting of the Capital.

The Omanhene said they collectively agreed that the capital of newly created Gomoa East District Assembly be sited at Gomoa Potsin in Akyempim Area, while the District Chief Executive be appointed from the Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Area. He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to that effect was dully signed and handed over to Ms Joyce Aidoo to be sent to the government through the Minister of Local Government Rural Development and Environment.

"It is however most surprising and shocking to learn that their proposal was not abide by when the creation of the new district was announced."

According to him when the chiefs in the area made a follow-up to the Ministry, the Minister told them his office had not received any thing from them.

"We blamed Ms Joyce Aidoo, the District Chief Executive for our woes; we did not understand why she failed to submit the MOU to the appropriate quarters for the right thing to be done". The Omanhene on behalf of the Chiefs and People expressed appreciation to the President for the creation of new Gomoa East District but vehemently expressed their dissatisfaction about the siting of the Capital at Gomoa Afransi. He said the chiefs and the people would find it difficult and tedious to travel the long distance from Gomoa Nyanyano, Gomoa Fetteh and other areas to attend meetings at Afransi instead of Potsin, which is very close. Meanwhile, Chief of Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Council on Tuesday held press conference and a durbar to thank President John Agyekum Kufuor for siting the Gomoa East District Capital at Gomoa Afransi.