Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah has given assurance of building a strong partnership with traditional authorities in the region to ensure they roll out the best social interventions necessary for smooth economic take-off of the region.
To the Minister, without the support of the traditional leaders, government’s efforts to build a positive society and create the enabling environment for job creation would be difficult to achieve.
Mr Osei-Mensah gave the assurance on Sunday 12 March when he paid courtesy calls on some paramount chiefs in the region.
The Minister visited Daasebre Osei Bonsu, Mamponghene and occupant to the Silver Stool of the Asante Kingdom, Bantamahene Barfour Amankwatia, and Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua, Kumawumanhene.
He promised to work effectively with traditional authorities to help fast-track the development of the Ashanti Region. The minister also promised to operate an open door administration and make sure the traditional authorities remain vibrant and relevant to the governance of the region and Ghana in general.
At the Bantamahene’s palace, the chiefs requested for the completion of the Sofoline-Abuakwa road to help ease vehicular congestion. According to them, most of the chiefs who serve under the Bantama stool are situated around Nkawie and would be grateful if the road sees its completion soon.
The chiefs also encouraged the Minister to remain focused while ensuring that the programmes and policies of the NPP government are implemented to the benefit of all. They were of the belief the government had the policies to restore dignity and pride to the people of the country.
Another issue that the chiefs laid bare was the security of Bantama, which they expected the new Minister to tackle as soon as possible. They drew his attention to a gas filling station sited in the middle of the town.
They were also not happy with the setting up of a brothel in the community which, according to them, had brought about indiscipline. They, therefore, urged Mr Osei-Mensah to intervene in closing it down.
The chiefs expressed absolute trust in the ability of the current government to deliver, but warned against complacency.
They further indicated that the NPP’s overwhelming victory in last year’s election was a clear indication of the trust that Ghanaians had in the government. They promised to work with Mr Osei-Mensah to uplift the image of the region.
The Bantamahene affirmed his determination to work with the Minister to get Kumasi back on track. He bemoaned the culture of indiscipline arising from unemployment and urged the Minister to act in the interest of the people.
The Bantamahene also expressed worry about the high level of armed robbery by the youth in the community. He said the development was giving him “sleepless nights”, and called on the new minister to swiftly intervene.
According to Nana Barfour Amankwatia, since the heart of the NPP remains in the Ashanti Region, the government should provide the needed jobs for the youth in the region and make sure the region enjoys the “lion’s share” of all programmes and policies of the government.
He said for the minister to have peace to work for the people, he needed to run an open administration but be firm at all times.
Barfour Amankwatia praised Mr Osei-Mensah for his humility and patience, urging him to remain focused and work for the well-being of the people, adding: “It is my wish that the reign of Mr Osei-Mensah becomes outstanding.”
Source: Ghana/AccraFM.com
