Residents of Acherensua in the Ahafo Region have appealed to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to intervene in what they describe as a prolonged traditional leadership vacuum that is hindering development in the community.
According to the youth, the traditional area has been without a paramount chief for more than five years following the death and burial of Agyewodin Nana Adu Kwame Kesse.
Addressing a press conference, Samuel Manu said the absence of a substantive paramount chief has negatively affected development efforts in the area.
He explained that the lack of traditional leadership has deprived the community of a strong advocate capable of championing development projects and improving the living conditions of residents.
“For over five years since the death and burial of our paramount chief, the community has been without a leader to help champion the development we urgently need,” he stated.
Mr. Manu also expressed concern about the growing incidence of social vices among the youth, including drug abuse and excessive alcohol consumption.
According to him, a paramount chief would be better positioned to mobilise support, introduce interventions and create opportunities for young people.
Other residents, including Osei Kwame and Afia Konadu, said Acherensua has struggled to attract development projects compared to neighbouring communities with active traditional leadership.
They noted that chiefs in other areas regularly engage government institutions and private organisations to lobby for development initiatives, a process they believe has been lacking in Acherensua.
“Elsewhere, communities led by their chiefs are actively lobbying for development from government and the private sector, but Acherensua does not have that advantage,” they lamented.
The residents have therefore appealed to the Asantehene to treat the matter as urgent and help facilitate the installation of a paramount chief to enable the community to pursue its development agenda.
