“We are forced to buy land in neighbouring communities to bury our Deceased because of poor Leadership” – Adankrangya Residents

Residents of Adankrangya in the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region have levelled a series of allegations against their chief, Nana Oppong Frenyam II, accusing him of poor leadership, lack of accountability, and neglect of the welfare of communities under his traditional jurisdiction.

According to the residents, they are now compelled to purchase land in neighbouring communities to bury their deceased because, they claim, lands within Adankrangya have been sold without proper accountability.

The residents further alleged that Nana Oppong Frenyam II has been more interested in activities that generate financial benefits than in promoting the development of his traditional area. They accused the chief of being involved in or supporting illegal mining (galamsey) activities along the Dankran River.

Investigations also revealed that residents of Asuadae, Aworasa and other surrounding communities in the Amansie Central District that are also under the traditional authority of Nana Oppong Frenyam II have for years raised similar concerns over alleged galamsey activities in the communities and their impact on the environment and livelihoods.

The residents further claimed that despite the alleged sale of lands under the traditional area, the communities continue to face severe developmental challenges, including a lack of potable drinking water and inadequate toilet facilities.

According to them, the sanitation situation has compelled many residents to practise open defecation, exposing the communities to serious public health risks.

They also accused the Omanhene of disregarding the views of his traditional council members and failing to consult the people on important matters affecting the development of the traditional area.

They contend that his style of leadership has created widespread dissatisfaction among residents and contributed to hardships across the communities under his jurisdiction.

The aggrieved residents have therefore appealed to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to institute a thorough investigation into the allegations against Nana Oppong Frenyam II.

They further appealed to the Asantehene to consider destooling the chief if the allegations are found to be true, arguing that what they describe as his autocratic leadership has contributed to hardship and the loss of lives within communities under his traditional authority.

Nana Oppong Frenyam II exercises traditional authority over Adankrangya in the Bekwai Municipality as well as Asuadae, Aworasa and other communities in the Amansie Central District.

Efforts to obtain a response from Nana Oppong Frenyam II or his representatives on the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

 

Source: ghanawatchonline.com