Chieftaincy disputes impede progress -Obodai

Gonmoa Obuasi (C/R), Feb. 7, GNA- The Deputy Central Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Kweku Obodai, has expressed his concern about the number of chieftaincy cases in the region and its serious repercussions on the human development and progress.

He said disputes deter government and other development partners to assist in infrastructural projects to improve the socio-economic advancement of the people.

Mr Obodai said these when he addressed a durbar of Chiefs and the People of Gomoa Obuasi to climax their Annual Akwanbo festival at Obuasi, near Agona Swedru.

He noted that government was pursuing vigorous and aggressive programmes that would create jobs and wealth for the people, now that macro- economic policy has been stabilized. The Deputy Minister appealed to the kingmakers, stool and skin owners to endeavour to resolve the chieftaincy cases that had lingered on for so many years to enhance the quality life of the people. He advised the youth, who had distanced themselves from the developmental projects to change their attitude, adding that, the people should form groups or associations to support the efforts of the government to improve their living conditions. Mr Obodai said the government would complete the road work from Afransi to Gomoa Ankamu-Junction before the end of 2008. Mr Richmond Sam Quarm, MP for Gomoa East urged the electorate to register when voters register is re-opened in May this year to enable them to vote in December general election. The MP said the voter's registration exercise was not only meant for elections alone, but it also helps to determine the population in the area to ensure equitable distribution of the national cake by the government.

Mr Quarm stressed that choosing Gomoa-Afransi as the District capital of the new Gomoa East District would help the people of Gomoa Obuasi to get their fair share of the Common Fund when the district is inaugurated on 29 February, 2008.

He said the Gomoa District had been deprived of social amenities such as education, water and health "which are the key factors to human development".

Nana Afodua Assan II, Chief of Gomoa Obuasi said they had released building to be used as offices and accommodations for the newly created district at Gomoa Afransi which is the sister town to support and sustain the work of the assembly.

He appealed to the district assembly to construct additional three classrooms for the Junior High School, adding that, some of the school children are studying under trees, which does not promote quality education.