Akwamus demand compensation from VRA

Atimpoku (E/R), Jan. 18, GNA - The Akwamu Traditional Area has reiterated its demand for appropriate compensation from the Volta River Authority(VRA) over the loss of property as a result of the construction of the Volta Dam some forty years ago.

They are also demanding, among others, the review of the Legislative Instrument establishing the Akosombo township in order to bring it under Asuogyaman District Assembly.

These were among the sentiments and demands expressed at the Peoples Assembly held at Atimpoku on Friday, when the Eastern Regional Minister, Dr Francis Osafo Mensah, led a government team to the Asuogyaman, Manya Krobo and Yilo Krobo Districts to interact with the chiefs and people. Nana Okumani the IV, a sub-chief of Akwamu who articulated ! the views of the people, regretted that the people of Akwamu who lost much of their land and property as a result of the Volta Lake have not been appropriately compensated in terms of infrastructure, power and water supply.

Some of the chiefs and queenmothers, in their contributions, demanded the non-billing of palaces over power consumption, the employment of Akwamus in the VRA and the provision of houses to replace their lost ones to the Lake in place of the non-payment of royalty to them.

Dr Osafo Mensah urged the people to exercise restraint on their grievances since the issue on the Juapong land was with the Stool Lands Boundary Commission. The Eastern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Nana Adi Ankamah, appealed to the people to be patient while the government looked into their grievances and called on them to undertake more se! lf-help projects to develop their area while government provide d support.

Dismissed workers of the Akosombo Textiles Limited(ATL) appealed to the authorities to look into their case while the chiefs and people of Anum and Boso also appealed for immediate solution to the acute water problem facing their area, including educational institutions.

The people of Nkakubew called on the government to revisit the divestiture and abandonment of the livestock project established by the First Republic in order to provide employment for the youth.

The Omankrado of Akwamu-Fete, Nana Atiku Antwi, in a memorandum, called on the government take interest in the chieftaincy institution since it formed part and parcel of the administration of the country and ensure that succession to stools and eradication of obsolete customs were observed.