The Council of Zongo Chiefs in Kumasi has called on President John Dramani Mahama to consider indigenes of the area when making appointments into his Cabinet.

According to the Council, there are competent and qualified persons from the Zongos – predominantly Muslim settlements – who can play key roles in the President's administration.

“Our communities are endowed with many scholars with good standing and abundant skilled labour, but lack employment. We pray that in the near future, we are considered for appointments such as ambassadors and heads of public institutions etc…” the council pleaded.

The chiefs made the appeal Tuesday June 28 when the president met the Zongo community at the Kumasi Central Mosque during the Ashanti regional leg of his Accounting to the People tour.

The chiefs also appealed to the president to fulfil his promise on the reconstruction of the Aboabo drains to put an end to perennial flooding in the area whenever there was a heavy downpour.

“A good intention when not fulfilled is a blessing. We sincerely believe that your promise to construct the Aboabo drain is still on your mind. The construction of the drain will relieve the residents of Aboabo and Asawase of fear and panic when the clouds show signs of rain. This is because anytime it rains, the floods destroy property and sometimes claim lives of people,” Council President Alhaji Musah Akanbonga told Mr Mahama.

Addressing the crowd, Mr Mahama said processes were far advanced to reconstruct the Aboabo drains.

“The Aboabo drain project has been approved by parliament and tender for the project opens today to get a contractor for the project. Very soon, I will come back to cut sod for the beginning of the project,” he stated.