Trouble brewing at Akwapim

Tension is steadily mounting in the Akwapim area as the three chiefs forming the Joint Consultative Council of Paramount Chiefs of Akwapim Anafo, Guan and Okere vow to resort to anything within their means, if the government fails to adhere to their demand for autonomy and recognition.

According to the chiefs, the government and the National House of Chiefs have 0persistently failed to settle the issue, and to them, that indicates that they have to settle it themselves through any possible means. The chiefs' warning came during a tension- packed durbar at Aburi to mark the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Larteh Accord.

The Acting President of the Council and Paramount Chief of Akwapim Anafo, Nana Djan Kwasi II, said the patience of the people has now run out and called on the government to act swiftly to prevent any disturbances in the area. He said the elevation of the three areas and other traditional areas in the region to paramountcy would not only relieve the people from the "oppressive rule of the Akropong Manhene", but would also bring about peace to enhance the development of the Akwapim area.

The Akwapim Guan Omanhene, Osabarima Asiedu Okoo Ababio III, said "no earthly power can force us to renegade on our oaths", adding that, the Larteh Accord has come to stay and would remain "irrevocable, irreversible and non-negotiable".

Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Deputy Eastern regional minister, in response, said the government is not insensitive to the concerns of the chiefs and the people and would not take the peace and tranquillity prevailing in the area for granted. He, however, said the current Constitution places certain limitations on government concerning chieftaincy. He noted that the regional co-ordinating council believes in dialogue, negotiations and discussions to settle the issue and assured the chiefs that it is still possible to find a lasting solution to the problem.

Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo appealed to the National House of Chiefs to address the issue and urged the chiefs involved to exercise restraint as solutions are being sought to the problem.