Asante-Akim South celebrates anniversary

Juaso (Ash), March 8, GNA - The nation's 50th anniversary was on Tuesday celebrated peacefully in the Asante-Akim South District amidst heavy security because of fears of disturbances.

The celebration, which was heralded by tension days before the event, was held in a peaceful atmosphere to the delight of many who were sceptical about the security of pupils and voluntary groups who took part in the parade.

Tension began to mount in Juaso some days to the event when it came to light that some youth had planned to disrupt the celebration should one Nana Safrotwie Sarpong attend the function as the chief of Juaso.

Nana Safrotwie Sarpong, who belongs to one faction of the Juaso chieftaincy dispute, was reported to have been given a formal invitation to attend the function as the chief of Juaso. This sparked agitation among the youth most of whom are supporters of Nana Owusu Achiaw Prempeh, the destooled chief. This necessitated a series of meetings between the District Security Committee (DISEC) and the youth who eventually agreed to abandon their plans.

Notwithstanding the resolution, there were some amounts of uneasiness among people compelling some parents to threaten not to allow their wards to partake in the event.

As a result, a combined team of 120 policemen from the Buffalo Unit, Striking Force as well as the District and Divisional Commands were deployed to ensure a peaceful celebration, a move that proved successful as peace prevailed throughout the event.

Dr Lord Justice Gyamfi-Fenteng, the District Chief Executive, addressing the gathering appealed to the people to use the anniversary to bury their differences and strive towards the speedy development of the area.

He said the divisiveness was inimical to progress and called on the people to place the interest of the larger community above their individual interest. 08 March 07