Confusion nearly marred the final lap of the familiarisation tour of the newly endorsed Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipality, Nana Appiah Korang, when he paid a visit to the traditional councils in the municipality.
Tension heightened when the MCE accused his host, the Omanhen of Komenda Traditional Area, Nana Kodwo Kru II, of supporting sand winning in the area.
Chief’s relatives
The MCE said the relatives and friends of the Omanhen, according to security reports, incriminated him (Omanhen), saying: “It is your family’s involvement in the menace that is stalling any arrest and action.”
However, the Omanhen, who would not take the allegation lying low, asked the MCE to ensure that the law worked. “You cannot expect me to go to the beach and arrest sand winners,” he said.
Allegation
“The assembly’s bye-laws are not being enforced, leaving everybody to operate with impunity. If change has come, let us all change,” the chief said, although he made frantic efforts to accuse the assembly of taking revenue from the perpetrators, thus emboldening them to destroy the beach.
Threats
The Omanhen, whose palace is close to the beach, said: “I feel threatened by the rampant illegal activity. Sand winning is synonymous with ‘galamsey’; all stakeholders must, therefore, work in tandem to stop the illegality,” he stressed.
He said fisherfolk in the area were migrating to other areas because of lack of landing beaches, and appealed for a landing beach at Komenda.
Another traditional ruler, who also took exception to the MCE’s comments, advised him against making allegations he was unable to substantiate.
Collaboration
Addressing the house earlier, the MCE called for a strong collaboration with traditional rulers in order to fulfil the visions of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He said the municipality abound in resources that could be harnessed for the benefit of the majority of the people, stressing: “But we need all hands on deck to achieve the vision.”
Nana Korang indicated that agriculture, as the President intimated at several foras, would be the priority of the assembly.
Free SHS
The MCE reiterated that the government’s promise to make Senior High School (SHS) free by September would be adhered to.
He had discussions with the people in the four traditional areas he visited, with most of the residents appealing for social amenities such as water, roads, health facilities and electricity.
Support
In a related development, the assembly last Monday supported 20 people living with disabilities (traders and students) with funds to develop their trades, as well as pay their school fees.