Residents of Akwamu in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region have issued a two-week ultimatum to the government to address several critical issues affecting their community.
Over the weekend, the residents held a protest to express frustration over alleged neglect by successive governments.
Clad in red and black, they marched from New Akrade to the Atimpoku roundabout, chanting war songs to highlight their grievances.
Traditional leaders joined the peaceful demonstration, dubbed “Walking for Attention,” and poured libations to invoke blessings on the exercise, which was closely monitored by the Akosombo Police command with support from the Odumase Division.
Protesters carried placards with messages such as “VRA give employment to people of Akwamu. Stop the sale of Akwamu lands,” and “Akwamu deserves better.”
The convenor, Emmanuel Ansah Amadi emphasizing the significance of the Akwamu area to the country.
He highlighted the community’s contributions, including providing land for the construction of the Akosombo Dam and the Adome Bridge, which benefit the entire nation.
“The people of Akwamu have shown unwavering generosity and patriotism, offering their lands for critical infrastructure projects. Despite these contributions, the Akwamu people find themselves sidelined, with their lands continuously taken and their efforts ignored,” Amadi said. “We are not asking for special treatment; we are asking for fairness, respect, and acknowledgement of our pivotal role in the nation’s progress.”
According to the group, the government is yet to respond to any of the 13 letters they have written.
Lead convenor, Dr. Nana Kwame Acheampong Kwakye raised concerns about the alleged renaming of the Tema Mpakadan Railway Station to Juapong Station and vowed to resist this move.
“Renaming the railway station to reflect the true heritage of the land is a necessary first step. Furthermore, broader recognition and respect for the Akwamu people’s contributions must be established,” Kwakye stated.
After addressing the gathering, the group presented a petition detailing their grievances to the District Chief Executive of Asuogyaman, Mavis Akonnor who received the petition on behalf of the government.
She commended the leadership for ensuring a peaceful protest and assured the residents that their concerns would be relayed to the appropriate authorities for redress.
