Revive Akosombo Textiles to create jobs - Akwamumanhene appeals to govt

The Paramount Chief of Akwamu Traditional Area, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, has appealed to the government to intervene in the operations of the Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL) in order to return it to its glorious past. 

He said the once vibrant company that provided employment for many people in the Akwamu area was now barely functioning.

"Many companies that operated here in the past are on their knees, including ATL.

“For ATL, it is my plea that before the President’s term ends, he will take steps to restore the company to its rightful state," Odeneho Akoto said.

The chief explained that in Akwamu, ATL employed more than 1000 people, including others from neighbouring communities.

He said the current state of the company had contributed to the rise in unemployment in the area, with some affected workers living on the benevolence of traditional rulers.

Event

Odeneho Akoto made the appeal at a durbar to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the enstoolment of the Akwamuman Hemea, Nana Afrakoma II, at the Bogyawe Palace, Akwamufie, last Saturday.

There was rich display of the tradition of the Akwamu people via the Asafo groups, traditional singers, dancers, the chiefs and people turning out in their numbers to honour the woman they described as the unifying force in Akwamu.

The anniversary celebration and Akwasidae Kese attracted traditional rulers, politicians, government officials, religious leaders, businesses, tourists and well wishers from across the country.

Concerns

The paramount chief further called on the government to support the Nana Afrakoma II Vocational Institute which provides employable skills such as beads making, hairdressing and fashion designing to young women in Akwamu and adjoining communities.

He appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to help Akwamu reclaim some lands it gave out to the government, and also intervene in the numerous land and boundary disputes between Akwamu and some of its neighbours.

"We know that the government claimed many of our lands to construct the Akosombo Dam and for resettlement of those who were adversely affected by the flooding of the settlements.  

The dam was completed many years ago, yet most of our lands are still registered under the Volta River Authority. These are properties handed over to us by our forefathers, and so it is disheartening to look on while they are snatched from us," Odeneho Akoto added.

On the upcoming elections, the Omanhene advised Ghanaians to ensure that peace prevailed during, before and after the process, saying, " our opinions must be expressed in a constructive and not destructive manner."

Projects

In a speech read on his behalf, President Akufo-Addo said that the government had embarked on a number of developmental projects within the Akwamu area.

He said one of the key projects was the decision to construct a port in the future at Mpakadan.

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Pius Enam Hadzide, who spoke on his behalf, also presented some gifts to Nana Afrakoma II on behalf of the President. 

Appreciation

Nana Afrakoma expressed gratitude to the chiefs and people, the government, guests and sponsors of the event for their various support.

She advised the youth to desist from social vices and focus on education.

The celebration was climaxed with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the forecourt of the Bogyawe Palace on Sunday.