Aburi (Eastern Region) 11 May ?99

Tension is gradually mounting in the Akwapim area as the three chiefs forming the Joint Consultative Council of Paramount Chiefs of Akwapim Anafo, Guan and Okere vow to resort to "anything within (their) means", if the government fail to adhere to their demand for autonomy and recognition.

According to the chiefs, the government and the National House of Chiefs have persistently failed to resolve the issue, and this, to them, indicates that they have to settle it themselves through any means possible.

The chiefs' warning came during a durbar at Aburi at the weekend to mark the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Latteh Accord.

In attendance were the Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, and the Eastern Regional chairman of the National Democratic congress (NDC), Mr Kofi Saforo.

The Acting President of the Council and Paramount Chief of Akwapim Anafo, Nana Djan Kwasi II, said the patience of the people has now run out and called on the government to act swiftly to prevent any disturbances in the area.

The elevation of the three areas and other traditional areas in the region to paramountcy would not only relieve the people from the "oppressive rule of the Akropong Manhene", but would also bring about peace to enhance the development of the Akwapim area, he said.

The Akwapim Guan Omanhene, Osabarima Asiedu Okoo Ababio III, said "no earthly power can force us to renegade on our oaths", adding that, the Larteh Accord has come to stay and would remain "irrevocable, irreversible and non-negotiable".

Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, in response, said the government is sensitive to the concerns of the chiefs and the people and would not take the peace and tranquillity prevailing in the area for granted.

He, however, said the current Constitution places certain limitations on government concerning chieftaincy.

The regional co-ordinating council believes in dialogue, negotiations and discussions to settle the issue, he noted and assured the chiefs that it is still possible to find a peaceful solution to the problem.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo appealed to the National House of Chiefs to address the issue and urged the chiefs involved to exercise restraint.