The Ejisu Manhene, Nana Afrane Okese IV has debunked claims by Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe known widely as Abronye DC that he has been paid $12 million from the government as royalty for the construction of the Greater Kumasi Industrial City project.

“One of their people Abronye stood on national television and said I have taken 12 million dollars from the government meanwhile the money hasn’t been paid. There will be conflict if I continue to speak about this issues”, Nana Afrane Okese IV stated.

“What sort of baseless argument is this”, he quizzed.

The comments from the Ejisuhene come as a response to an earlier statement made by Mr Kwame Baffoe that suggested that he has been paid $12 million as compensation for the release of lands.

However, speaking at his Palace when the Leader of the Movement for Change movement paid a courtesy call on him on Thursday, October 3, 2024, Nana Afrane Okese IV fumed saying, “When I comment on some of these issues, the NPP will say I’m doing party politics. The NPP claims I have collected the money and spent it”.

Assuring his community members, Nana Afrane Okese IV stated that he will not pay much attention to the matter but focus on the development the project will bring when completed.

“You can say all that you want and I’m not going to mind you because the development of my community is my highest priority”, he stated.

Explaining further on the issue, Nana Afrane Okese IV revealed that, Mr KT Hammond, the Minister for Trade and Industry once came to his palace and apologised for Abronye’s comment.

“On that same money, KT Hammond came and apologized to me here. He begged that I shouldn’t listen to what Abronye was saying’, he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Mr Kyerematen at the Palace also confirmed that Nana Afrane Okese IV has not received such money as claimed.

The Greater Kumasi Industrial City Project

Upon completion, the project is expected to create at least 5,000 direct jobs and over 12,000 indirect jobs to grow the local economy

It is also expected to give companies in some priority sectors the opportunity to operate in the industrial city under the free zone arrangement.

The priority sectors include cocoa processing, light industrial manufacturing, heavy industrial manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, services, and a cyber village.