Okadjakromhene: Ghanaian leaders must solve socio-economic problems

Accra, March 4, GNA - Osabarima Antwi Agyei V, Chief of Okadjakrom in the Jasikan District of the Volta Region, has called on the country's leaders, especially politicians, to unite and find a lasting solution to the socio-economic problems facing the people.

He said since Ghana was applauded as a show case of democratic practice in the West African sub-region, it was obligatory for the political authorities irrespective of their political affiliations to take pragmatic steps to eliminate disease, ignorance, unemployment, poverty and illiteracy in the country.

Osabarima Agyei made the call in an interview with GNA in Accra on Wednesday, on Ghana's 53rd independence anniversary. He observed that it is time for the country to lay a solid foundation for a sustainable economic growth and national development. Osabarima Agyei called on the people to come together and fight any recurrence of exploitation, abuse of human rights and discrimination that their forefathers opposed under the British colonial rule. The chief, who is also Twafohene of the Buem Traditional Area, said "the collective sacrifice of chiefs, farmers, workers, market women, teachers, students and the masses that resulted in the dismantling of British colonial rule remain relevant for the building of modern Ghana". Osabarima Agyei asked Ghanaians to be inspired by the gallantry and patriotism of Fredrick Adjetey, Private Odartey Lamptey and Corporal Atipoe, ex-military service men, who where killed in the "Christiansborg Cross-Roads Shooting", when they were marching to the Osu Castle to present grievances to the British colonial administration, and contribute to national development.

He said that the event even though bloody and tragic, was seemingly the last straw that broke the camel's back and heightened the impetus for the fight for Ghana's independence." Osabarima Agyei noted that the powers of chiefs in contemporary times have been limited but they were obliged to protect the interest of the people and ensure the development of their communities. He called on government to involve chiefs in the planning and execution of development projects, saying that "the British colonial government realised the significance of chieftaincy and relied on chiefs to administer as they mobilised the people for payment of taxes and execution of development projects".

Osabarima Agyei cautioned the youth against armed robbery, prostitution, alcoholism, drug abuse and other social vices and harness their potentials for national development. 4 March 10 Attention recipients, item 01 ends first cast.