Re-location of Osagyefo Barge a "betrayal" -Chiefs

Half Assini (W/R) Aug. 2, GNA - The Chiefs and people of the Jomoro district have expressed their displeasure at the decision of government to re-locate the Osagyefo power Barge from Effasu-Mangyea in the Jomoro district, to Tema.

They said any transfer of the barge by the government from its present location would mean " a betrayal, neglect and increasing poverty".

Nana Ayibie Amihere IV, Half Assini expressed this sentiment on Monday when Mr. Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment paid a courtesy call on him. "The removal of the barge is a major threat and source of concern for the chiefs and people of Nzemaland and we are totally against any movement" the chief added.

Nana Amihere said "we feel slighted because government wants to deceive us and take it away".

Similar sentiments were expressed at durbars organised for the Minister by heads of departments, district assembly staff and assembly members.

They held that the relocation of the barge would dampen the spirit o f the people and demoralize the youth, majority of who are unemployed. Nana Amihere reiterated that the people were not satisfied with the various reasons being assigned by the government, relating to the need for its relocation.

Responding to the concerns of the people, Mr. Asamoah-Boateng said the removal of the barge was meant to harness energy resources and distribution in the entire country.

He said the barge would be placed in a pool at Tema to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Ghana and the CAN 2008.

Mr. Asamoah-Boateng assured the chiefs and people that government had made alternative arrangements and that personnel presently employed at the Effasu-Magyea site would not be dismissed. He said the ongoing exploration of gas deposits in the Tano basin would continue.

The Osagyefo barge was purchased in Italy in 2000 and was shipped to Sekondi Naval Base until 2004 when it was finally towed to its present location at Effasu-Mangyea in the Jomoro district.