King of Akyem Kotoku State calls for stakeholders’ engagement amidst Oda markets allocation brouhaha

His Gracious Majesty Oseadeeyo Dr. Frimpong Manso IV, King of Akyem Kotoku State, has stepped in to ease the growing tensions surrounding the allocations of Oda Central, Nkwantanum, and Old Premier Markets stores in Akim Oda.

The Central Market, which was razed by an inferno in 2021, was recently rebuilt and commissioned by President Akufo-Addo. However, the allocation of stores, especially in the Central and Old Premier markets, has sparked immense controversy among previous occupants and several interest groups.

The Akyem Kotoku Traditional Council, in a letter addressed to the MCE, Joyce A. Agyeiwaa, noted that Oseadeeyo’s office has received several complaints from previous market occupants of the Central Market, while other interest groups have raised serious objections. The letter also stressed that "His Gracious Majesty Oseadeeyo Dr. Frimpong Manso IV, Allodial Title Holder of all Akyem Kotoku Lands, and his chiefs were not consulted or engaged prior to and during the construction of the said markets."

The disheartening part of the letter, which has caused the market women and Oda townsfolk to rally support behind the King, is the allegation that several invitations regarding the markets’ allocation were ignored by the Birim Central MCE, Joyce A. Agyeiwaa. A similar letter addressed to the MP for Akyem Oda, Akwasi Acquah, suggested that the "MP has withheld every information regarding the sources of funding, costs, completion dates, and allocation plans from Oseadeeyo Dr. Frimpong Manso IV."

There’s no doubt that the MP and MCE alike have had a frosty relationship with the Akyem Kotoku Overlord, Oseadeeyo Dr. Frimpong Manso IV, which explains the refusal to heed various invitations to brief Oseadeeyo on the allocation modalities. Amidst the constant agitations and protests of market women and interest groups alike, Oseadeeyo, in a circular released from the Traditional Council, directed that the allocation of market stores be halted until all necessary stakeholders have met to finalize the allocation modalities. This move is aimed at easing the tensions and bringing peace to Akim Oda.

The allocation of market stores is a sensitive issue that requires careful handling to avoid conflicts and controversies. Market women and interest groups have welcomed Oseadeeyo’s intervention as an acknowledgement of their concerns. By calling for a halt to the allocation process and stakeholders’ engagement, the market women and interest parties believe their concerns would be addressed and the allocations would be fair and transparent.

In the coming week, His Gracious Majesty will schedule a meeting with all stakeholders and work out a formidable allocation plan to ensure the concerns of the market women and interest groups are addressed so peace can prevail.

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