Mepe in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region was awash with celebration on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, as the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs officially inaugurated the Mepe Traditional Area into a Traditional Council.
The ceremony, led by His Lordship Joseph McAli Jnr., Judge of the Sogakope Circuit Court, and Mr. Harry Anthony Attipoe, Registrar of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, saw the swearing-in of accredited chiefs and queen mothers as Council Members. This milestone was part of a national effort to promote development in traditional and rural communities under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Development Opportunities for Mepe
The elevation to Council status is expected to attract investors and facilitate governmental administrative support to Mepe. According to the Chieftaincy Act 759, the Council will be headed by a Paramount Chief and supported by a Traditional Council Registrar and a full complement of civil service staff.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Chief Registrar Mr. Baafi Nsiah assured the council of government’s logistical and operational support. He encouraged council members to familiarize themselves with the Chieftaincy Act to resolve conflicts effectively.
Calls for a Paramount Chief
The absence of a substantive Paramount Chief for Mepe was a recurring theme at the event. Mamaga Adzo Sreku IV, Paramount Queen Mother of Mepe, highlighted the ongoing chieftaincy dispute between the Adzesu, Akolor, and Gli families over the Mepe Royal Paramount Stool. She urged the Volta Regional House of Chiefs to expedite resolution of the matter, emphasizing that a Paramount Chief is crucial for effective governance of the Traditional Council.
Concerns Over Akosombo Dam Spillage and Infrastructure
The Queen Mother also lamented the impact of the Akosombo Dam spillage, which displaced many residents of Mepe and the Southern Volta Region. She criticized the slow pace of government intervention, particularly in providing alternative housing and livelihoods for victims.
Additionally, she raised concerns about the deplorable state of roads linking Mepe to neighboring areas, such as Sege and Sogakope. She appealed to the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to advocate for improved road infrastructure.
Unity and Progress
Mamaga Sreku IV called on the chiefs and queen mothers of Mepe to unite for the common good of the area, stressing the power of teamwork in achieving development goals.
Government Commitment
District Chief Executive for North Tongu, Mr. Divine Osborn Kwadwo Fenu, praised the peaceful conduct of the inauguration ceremony and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting traditional authorities. He announced that road maintenance projects and housing resettlement for flood victims were underway, and contractors had already commenced work in Mepe and other affected areas.
Mr. Fenu also confirmed that reconstruction of the collapsed Mepe Sayikope-Aklakpanu Bridge had begun, highlighting its significance as a vital link for transportation and commerce in the region.
Looking Ahead
The inauguration of the Mepe Traditional Council marks a new chapter for the area, with expectations of improved governance, unity, and development. However, the resolution of chieftaincy disputes and urgent infrastructural improvements remain pressing priorities for the community.
Source: SoireeNews