Chiefs call for rehabilitation of Axim sea defence wall

Axim, Sept. 17- GNA-Two prominent chiefs in the Axim traditional area in the Nzema East district have made an urgent call for the rehabilitation of the sea defence wall at Axim to save the town from destruction by sea waves.

Awulae Attiburukusu III and Awulae Neba Kwaw III, Paramount Chiefs of Lower and Upper Axim respectively said a greater portion of the sea defence wall constructed several years ago, had collapsed and many houses face the imminent danger of being washed away. These were contained in a joint statement issued by the two chiefs and read by Awulae Attiburukusu at the celebration of this year's Kundum festival at Axim on Saturday.

It was on the theme "Peace and Development".

A long-standing chieftaincy dispute had divided the town into two, with each chief holding on to a section of the predominantly fishing community.

"It is our strong conviction that government would respond quickly to our appeal to safeguard houses, properties and the land from being taken over by the angry waves", the statement said.

Awulae Attiburukusu appealed for the completion of an accommodation for personnel in the town and said work on the project came to a halt many years ago compelling many of the personnel to live in rented apartments, a situation that do not enhance efficiency. Awulae Attiburukusu said the proposed Axim Sports Stadium needed financial assistance from the government and therefore called for more financial support.

Mr. Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, Minister of Local Government, Environment and Rural Development charged the Nzema East District Assembly to preserve and protect historical buildings and monuments in the town. He said landlords and caretakers must be encouraged to paint buildings monuments regularly to achieve the objective. The minister also suggested the establishment of a football academy to hunt for talents in soccer and other sporting activities that abound in the area.

He advised the community to re-plant green grass, trees and other ornamentals to beautify the township.

Mr. Asamoah-Boateng said Axim would play an important role in the 50th anniversary celebrations of Ghana's independence and every effort must be made to make the celebration special.

Mr. Anthony E. Amoah, Western Regional Minister said Ghanaians should be bold to point out mistakes of government appointees when they go wrong while discharging their duties to society.

"This way, you will be assisting them to govern properly and avoid repeating their mistakes".

Mr. Amoah said government had decided to release 25 acres of land for those in "galamsey" operation provided they regularise their activities by registering with the Minerals Commission as small-scale miners.

Mr. Amoah said such registration could be done through the chiefs, the assembly or the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) to ensure that their needs were satisfied.

Mr. Joshua Kwaja-Ellimah, the District Chief Executive said the festival offers the opportunity for the people to speak out against mistakes or vices of people in the community regardless of their status or social standing.

He said the district could only develop rapidly if the people cooperate and support the assembly's development agenda.

"We must not continue to stay passive and expect the central government to meet all our needs, we must resolve to be alive with our social responsibilities including payment of taxes, property rates and encourage our relations to do the same," he stressed.