Nana Simpeh Owiredu III
THE KWAHU TRADITIONAL COUNCIL in the Eastern Region is appealing to the ruling New Patriotic Party-led government to rehabilitate roads in their area which they say are in “deployable” state.
During a courtesy call on the council by the new Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, over the weekend, Nana Simpeh Owiredu III, Krontihene of Kwahu Abene, mentioned that the chiefs and people had been assured by President Akufo-Addo that funds were secured for the rehabilitations of the roads.
He said that they were, however, much surprised to hear later on that the disbarment of the funds had been delayed because of COVID-19.
The Krontihene expressed worry over the development, and opined that funds meant for the construction of the Abene road should not be blamed on the advent of COVID-19, since the money was there before the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in Ghana.
The chiefs called on President Akufo-Addo to construct the bridge over River Afram, to facilitate the movement of farm produce and services within the Afram Plains (North and South).
The regional minister, after interacting with the chiefs, went to Kwahu – Bepong, where he cut the sod for the award of a contract to IB Magda Company, for the completion of a 27.5Km road, linking Kwahu-Bepong to Ntomem. The first phase of the construction is expected to be done within 12 months.
Kwahu-Ntomen is a major farming community in the area. The road when completed would improve the transportation of farm produce from the community to the market places.
Mr. Acheampong appreciated what the Kwahu chiefs said, and assured them that the President would surely fulfil their dreams.
He subsequently went and inspected a bridge that was being constructed at Odweanoma.
The minister had earlier paid a courtesy call on the Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Professor Emeritus Oti Boateng, at his home in Koforidua, the regional capital. This was to formally introduce himself to the Omanhene, and to ask for the Omanhene’s support during his tenure of office.
Daasebre Oti Boateng welcomed the minister and recounted Ghana’s attainment of independence.
He mentioned that this was through a collective effort and not solely that of an individual, as is often being touted in the country by a section of Ghana’s body politic.
He exhorted Ghanaians to eschew divisive and partisan politics, and to allow the government to successfully spearhead the “root-based development” model, which, to Daasebre, held the key to the emancipation of all Africans suffering economic doldrums.
The regional minister also pledged to follow the “root-based” model as espoused by Daasebre Boateng, since it was vital to the region in particular, and to Ghana as a whole.
FROM Daniel Bampoe, Kwahu – Abene