Politics of Thursday, 26 May 2005

Source: GNA

Traditional Council supports MPs

Apam (C/R), May 26, GNA - The Gomoa Assin Traditional Council (GATC) has assured the Gomoa District Assembly and the two members of parliament in the area of their support and preparedness to assist them in their efforts to bring development to the area.

They said they were aware of the role of the MPs, Assembly Members, traditional authorities, and representatives of political parties play in the development, however, they said that they would not sit down for what they described as "unknown chiefs and stomach politicians to sell our sovereignty for bread and butter."

Obirifo Ahumako Aho Ankobea II, Omanhene and President of the Council made the call when he addressed a news conference at Apam to throw light on media reports purported to have been made by Chiefs in the area attacking the MPs.

The conference was attended by chiefs, opinion leaders, Mr Fred Oscar Abban, Presiding member GDA, Mr Sam Quaye and Mr Joe Hackman, MPs for Gomoa East and West respectively, Nana Okutwer Bekoe IV, Chief of Gomoa Ada and Nana Abobo Egyir, Sanaahene.

Obirifo Ankobea expressed concern about the reports and said "such publications make the chieftaincy institution a laughing stock, knowing very well that these MPs are only three months old at post". Obirifo Ankobea called on Gomoa citizens to live in unity, love and to respect one another, adding that, "we must bury our differences and join hands for the development of the district.

He said the reports were being investigated and those found to be the "master brains" would be dealt with.

Mr Fred Oscar Abban expressed his appreciation to the Council for the initiative and advised all traditional rulers in the district to initiate development projects and not to wait for the Assembly. Mr Quarm expressed his displeasure about the unhealthy situation and called for an open door administration and constructive suggestions and criticisms to move the district forward.

Mr Hackman expressed his appreciation to the chiefs and the people for giving him their mandate and promised that he would not let them down. The MP challenged the peddlers of the rumours to substantiate that he was given 270 million cedis for party agents during the last elections.