The Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, has called on chiefs and traditional leaders in the region to desist from engaging in protracted chieftaincy and land disputes, stressing that such conflicts slow down development and drain scarce resources.
Speaking at a grand durbar to launch the Nkyifie@60 festival in Prang, Mr. Antwi said the region must prioritise peace and development over avoidable disputes.
“Our region has limited time and resources, and these must be channeled into development rather than avoidable disputes and conflicts.
“I urge chiefs and kingmakers to rely strictly on our traditions, customs, and legal frameworks when resolving succession issues, especially during the enstoolment of new chiefs. Chieftaincy disputes dissipate resources meant for development and only drag the region backwards,” he said.
The Minister also expressed concern about persistent armed robbery incidents in the Bono East Region but assured residents that measures were being implemented to address the situation.
He revealed that following discussions with the Minister of Interior in Accra, enhanced security interventions had been implemented, which had already reduced the spate of attacks.
“One of the major challenges affecting the Bono East Region has been armed robbery. With the support of President John Dramani Mahama and our Member of Parliament, significant interventions have been introduced to curb these attacks,” Mr. Antwi stated.
“Any number of police officers required to maintain peace and security in this region will be provided, as the President has pledged. All that is needed is peace in the area.”
He further noted that poor road infrastructure had contributed to highway robberies, as criminals often exploited bad roads to target travelers.
He assured residents that government would not abandon ongoing road projects.
“The road from Prang to Kintampo will not be left unattended until the contractor completes the work. Additionally, patching works on the Ejura Atebubu Yeji road will soon commence to ease movement,” he disclosed.
The Minister, speaking on behalf of President Mahama, said government is focusing on three critical issues in the region: chieftaincy and land disputes, as well as conflicts between farmers and Fulani herdsmen.
“The President is committed to finding lasting solutions to these matters, as they remain key to ensuring lasting peace and sustainable development in Bono East,” he stressed.
The durbar brought together dignitaries including the Member of Parliament for Pru West, Emmanuel Kofi Ntekuni, District Chief Executives, and other leaders from across the region.
The Paramount Chief of the Prang Traditional Council, Nana Kwadwo Nyarko III, who has reigned for 60 years, expressed gratitude to his sub-chiefs and subjects for their loyalty and support throughout his reign.
“Over the years, we have achieved many developmental projects through unity and dedication. I urge all my people to continue to stand together so that Prang can progress even further,” Nana Nyarko said.
The Chairman of the occasion, Nana Adu Kofi Baah, Kyidomhene of the Wiase Traditional Council, described Nana Nyarko III as a “Chief of Development.”
“Nana Kwadwo Nyarko III’s remarkable contributions to the growth of Prang and beyond make him an example worth emulating. Other traditional leaders should follow his path of peace and development,” he remarked.
The launch of Nkyifie@60 was marked with cultural displays, drumming, and dancing, symbolizing six decades of unity and tradition under the leadership of Nana Nyarko III.
Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom
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