Greater Accra Minister urges unity among Chiefs, Highlights security, development priorities
Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Obenewaa Ocloo, during a working visit to the Teshie Traditional Council and the La Traditional Council emphasized the crucial role of traditional leaders in achieving government’s goal of making Greater Accra the cleanest region.
The Minister noted that chiefs influence community action and account for 60 percent of the government's effort adding the visit was also to identify local challenges and collaborate on solutions.
Her first port of call was the Teshie Traditional Council last Tuesday, where she was warmly received by the Paramount Chief, Gbetsorlor Nii Ashitey Akomfra III, and his council members during the historic visit.
She reaffirmed her mandate to engage all traditional councils in the region, clarifying that her visits are not to contested chiefs but to the councils themselves.
“I came here today to engage in dialogue with the Traditional Council because we recognise you as custodians of the land. Without the support of the chiefs, our work cannot be effective," she said.
Attendance
The Minister was accompanied by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, the Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku, Bernard Ayiku Nartey, the Municipal Chief Executive for the area, Israel Adjetey Otchemnmah and the Chief Director of the Regional Coordinating Council, Mrs Lilian Baeka.
Also present were members of the Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) and representatives from the National Investigation Bureau.
Dzaasetse, Nii Ashikwei Kwaobotwe II, Akwashongtse, Nii Mensah Tukorwenim II, Teshie Atofotse, Nii Martey, Ashaley Botwe Mantse, Nii Kotey Afutu Agbomosane II and other sub-chiefs from surrounding satellite towns were also in attendance.”
At La, she was received by Nii Obodai Adai IV (Mankralo), Nii Adjei Koofeh IV (Shikitele), Nii Yemo Din II (Akwashongtse), Nii Kotey Amli IV (Klannaa Akutsotse), Miyemliniaba Nii Adjei Asua Oweeni II (Agbawe Akutsotse), and Nii Solomon Tetteh (Acting Linguist).
The Minister and her delegation were also joined at La by the Member of Parliament for Dadekotopon, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, and the MCE, Alfredos Nii Anyetei.
Projects
Madam Ocloo highlighted progress in improving street lighting within her first 50 days in office but raised concerns about widespread theft of lighting cables, urging residents to report such acts.
She assured that all ceremonial streets would be lit by December through collaboration with the Ministry of Energy.
Addressing recurring chieftaincy disputes, she appealed for unity among traditional leaders, citing the unresolved deaths of six people during the last Homowo celebrations.
She conveyed President Mahama’s message encouraging peace, stressing that development interventions for the towns would depend on sustained unity.
“Another major issue in the region is the recurring chieftaincy disputes, and I appeal to the chiefs to remain united. During the last Homowo festival, six people lost their lives, and to date the perpetrators have not been identified to serve as a deterrent to others. President Mahama has therefore asked us to emphasise the need for unity and peace among all of us in the region.”
The Minister further called on chiefs to work with security agencies to ensure a peaceful Christmas season and pledged to address boundary issues, electricity, water and school infrastructure challenges in partnership with the MPs, MCE and the traditional councils.
She thanked the chiefs for their strong support during her parliamentary vetting, which she said contributed to her record-short approval process.
Recognition
The Paramount Chief of Teshie, Gbetsorlor Nii Ashitey Akomfra III, described the Regional Minister’s visit as a memorable moment, expressing joy that Teshie has finally been given due recognition within the Ga-Dangme.
He praised the Minister’s early achievements and her efforts in projecting the Ga-Dangme people.
Today is a memorable day for some of us because when we look around the entire Ga-Dangme, today we have also been remebered that there is a town in the Greater Accra Region called Teshie. It is truly an exciting moment,” he said.
The Chief raised key concerns, particularly long-standing disputes over administrative and stool boundaries, which he said are being worsened by individuals encroaching on lands out of greed.
He appealed to the Minister to help resolve these boundary issues, especially with neighboring La and Nungua.
He further highlighted logistical constraints facing the community, including the lack of vehicles for the local police station, the Municipal Assembly, and the Traditional Council.
The Chief concluded by stressing the importance of unity in Teshie, promising that with the Minister’s support, the town would work to resolve internal issues and demonstrate solidarity to neighboring communities.
Boundary issues
La Shikitele, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, expressed appreciation for the long-awaited visit of the regional leader, noting that such engagement would have been valuable earlier to understand the community’s challenges.
He outlined key concerns of the La Council of Elders, emphasizing unresolved boundary disputes with Teshie and Osu, which have led to disorder and complications in local development.
He also highlighted the need to repair traffic lights at T-Junction and other roads to prevent frequent accidents.
He raised concerns about the theft of stool lands, the destruction of the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre, and the urgent need to complete the long-delayed La General Hospital project.
Additionally, he lamented that La chiefs are often excluded from major events held in their own area, including those near the Jubilee House.
