Akwatia welcomes proposed creation of Denkyembuo District

Akwatia (E/R), Sept. 13 GNA- The Chiefs and people of Akwatia have welcomed the proposed creation of a new administrative district with Akwatia as the capital

The hint was dropped by Vice President Mr John Dramani Mahama, in an address delivered during the commencement of operations of the Great Consolidated Diamonds Ghana Limited at Akwatia in the Eastern Region.

The Vice President said the new district is likely to be called Denkyembuo (Diamond) District to reflect the endowment of the area with diamond deposits.

Presently, Akwatia is linked with Kade under the Kwaebibirem District. Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Akwatia, Akwatiahene; Osabarima Kofi Boateng III, said the people are grateful to the government for considering their appeal for carving a separate district for the area.

Nana Akwatiahene observed that there has been long agitation for a separate district, while a number of appeals have been made to successive governments on the issue.

"Therefore on behalf of the people and on my own behalf, I express deep appreciation to the government for listening to our cries.

"It is a cherished dream come true and we will endeavour to make a success of the new district," he said.

He observed that Kwaebibirem is too large to be a single district, adding that the current situation is hampering progress and development.

Osabarima Boateng said the traditional authorities have allocated land for the building of administrative blocks and residential facilities for the District Chief Executive and officials of the new assembly.

He said the Akwatia Traditional Council built a number of houses in the late 1940s and 1950s, which were handed over to the Kade-Akwatia Local Council, which could utilised to provide additional accommodation for the proposed district.

Touching on the take- over of the Ghana Consolidated Diamonds by the Great Consolidated Diamonds Ghana Limited, Nana Akwatiahene said it was heart-warming news since the fortunes of the mines and Akwatia were linked together.

He said his people were satisfied with the commitment of the new company to improve the living conditions of the communities through job and wealth creation and the provision of education, infrastructural development and good environmental management.