The Ashanti confederation (ASHCON) has expressed grave concerns over the posture and attitude of the Akufo-Addo led government in respect of the recent happenings in the Ashanti Region.
The Ashcon deem it very unfortunate the kind of treatment been meted out to the good people of Asanteman by the Akufo- Addo led NPP government.
What has gone amiss that Asanteman be treated in this shameful and shambolic manner? Asanteman deserves better than it is currently receiving from this current government.
The fact is clear and it is known to every political activist in the country that Asanteman’s total contribution to the success story of the NPP as political party both in government and opposition is beyond measure and highly unprecedented as compared to other regions in Ghana so far as the fourth republic is concerned.
In spite of the huge electoral fortunes enjoy by the NPP in the Ashanti Region, there is not a single major development project that commensurate with the quantum of votes received in the region.
As if that’s not enough, this current N.P.P. government has reduced the Traditional council representation in the MMDA’s in the Ashanti region from five (5) to one (1) as well as their disrespect to the Asanteman particularly the Traditional Authority.
According to a document sited on ghanaweb.com of a letter written to the Regional Minster on 13th January, 2020 by the Manhyia palace states as follows;
“I regret there is no meeting of minds yet on the issue of the representation of Traditional authority on the newly created Municipal Assemblies carved out of the former Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and I fear we are in danger of rupturing the cordial relations between the administration and Nananom”.
It has been more than a considerable disappointment therefore for Nananom to be told that after the Assemblies have gone through the full electoral process and be reconstituted they are still only allowed not more than one representative on each Assembly. Nananom feel offended that their role is been devalued.
Local government requires the collaboration of civil and traditional authorities and, as you will acknowledge, Nananom have always been ready to play their rightful role as partners in the process of governance. To treat the traditional authority as some insignificant appendage carries enormous risks. Because of the Seriousness of the issue I am to inform you that Nananom are not interested in any token presence on the Assemblies and will not therefore provide any nominee for any Assembly on which they are offered not more than one representatives.
Indeed, if 55% of Traditional Council royalties are being given to the government for development then what is really the problem for the government to have allow resounding representation traditional authorities of the various Assemblies for full determination of policies, programmes and project to ensure total development in the Region (Ashanti).
Again if the governments want the best for Ashanti Region (Asanteman) in terms of effective and efficient development, unity and stability then what influenced this weak and disrespectful decision by downsizing the representation of traditional Authorities of the various Assemblies in the Region (Ashanti)?
Or is it a fact that the government’s posture in respect of Ashanti Regional
Development determination, Nananom contributions are no more relevant irrespective 55% royalties taken from them (Traditional Authorities)?
Therefore the Ashanti Confederation (ASHCON) is giving the central government two (2) weeks to rescind this unpopular decision by writing formal letter to apologize to Manhyia Palace, and with immediate effect restore the old system by giving them their full representation in each Assembly to represent the Traditional Authorities.
Respectfully, if the government fails to materialized this humble request by Ashanti Confederation (ASHCON), through democratic means the necessary action will be taking against the Central government because the confederation aim is to ensure peace, unity, development and stability in the Ashanti Region and the nation at large.
The conduct of the Akuffo Addo led N.P.P. Government is woefully inadequate so far as the Ashanti Region is concern and it’s quite unfortunate that Asanteman has been experiencing this wickedness and ungrateful act over the years.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this is clear indication that the N.P.P government led by this Excellency Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo has no plans to develop Asanteman, but rather continue to display his disrespectful attitude to the good people of Asanteman particularly the Traditional Authority.
The Confederation is calling on the government to immediately respond to our grievances and act positively if indeed they truly love and want the best for Asanteman.
We also urge the good people of Asanteman to share their sentiment and rally behind us so that together we will reclaim the lost glory of Ashanti Region.
We believe togetherness we shall succeed.
Long live Asanteman
Long live Ghana
……………………………..
- ERIC OSEI BONSU
(Secretary)
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