Regional News of Wednesday, 27 August 2003

Source: GNA

People of Kwamang call for solution to dispute with Kumawu

Kwamang (Ash), Aug 27, GNA- President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday, said government will endeavour to solve the protracted land dispute between the chiefs and people of Kwamang and Kumawu. He said although the government is not allowed by the constitution from indulging in chieftaincy issues, efforts would be made through the appropriate quarters to solve the problem for the people in the two traditional areas to live in peace.

President Kufuor said this in response to a suggestion by Barima Abayie Ntori Nimpa II, Kwamanghene, that the government must institute a commission of inquiry to solve the matter for peace to prevail in the area.

The President was addressing a durbar of chiefs and people of the Kwamang Traditional Area on the last day of his official tour of the Ashanti Region.

He also addressed durbars at Ejura, Mampong, Nsuta, Beposo, Kumawu, Asokore and Effiduase, in the Ejura-Sekyedumase, Sekyere West and East districts.

President Kufuor assured the people that his government will ensure good governance, freedom of speech and rule of law and appealed to them to offer constructive criticisms for it to achieve sustainable democracy in the country.

He said the government is capable of turning the fortunes of the socio-economic life of the people since it has undertaken measures that will propel the nation to economic prosperity.

The President urged the chiefs and people of Kumawu to exercise restraint as the government is discussing a request they have made to the government for creation of a separate district.

Barima Asumadu Sakyi, Kumawuhene, appealed to the government to construct roads to link up parts of the Afraim Plains to the the district to open up the area and attract investors.

He pledged the support of the chiefs and people in the area to the government and commended it for initiating a number of development projects in the area.