The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has expressed excitement over the restoration of peace in the Sunyani Traditional Area, describing it as a major step toward renewed development and investment in the area.
According to the Minister, the return of calm would create a conducive environment for business activities and enable government to effectively implement its development agenda within the municipality.
Mr Ibrahim expressed the sentiments when the Sunyani Traditional Council, led by the Paramount Chief of Sunyani, Odeefuor Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, paid a courtesy call on the Ministry last Thursday to express appreciation for the ministry’s role in resolving the long-standing chieftaincy dispute in the area.
Also among the delegation was the Paramount queen mother of Sunyani, Nana Akosua Dua Asor Sika Brayie II.
The minister stated that the conflict, which involved two factions, aligned with the Paramount Chief and the Paramount Queenmother, had lingered for some time and affected unity within the traditional area. He explained that the ministry facilitated a resolution process using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, incorporating both traditional and administrative approaches to bring the parties together.
Mr Ibrahim indicated that both sides had since begun implementing a mutually agreed roadmap aimed at sustaining the peace process, a development he described as encouraging for the future of the traditional area.
“Traditional authorities are critical partners in governance. Without their cooperation and support, it becomes difficult to achieve meaningful development at the local level,” the Minister emphasised, adding that the renewed unity between the two factions is a welcome development for government and the people of Sunyani.
He commended the leadership of the traditional area for prioritizing peace and urged them to remain committed to the roadmap that has been outlined to ensure lasting harmony.
The Minister also reiterated government’s continued support for development initiatives in the area.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional authorities, the President of the Sunyani Traditional Council and Paramount Chief of Sunyani, Odeefuor Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, expressed profound gratitude to John Dramani Mahama, the Minister, and the Ministry for their intervention in resolving the impasse.
According to him, the successful mediation has brought renewed hope to the people of Sunyani and positioned the traditional area to pursue a more prosperous future.
For her part, the Paramount Queenmother of Sunyani also conveyed her appreciation to the Ministry, noting that the restoration of peace has brought relief to residents, including non-indigene living and working in the municipality.
Both the Paramount Chief and the Paramount Queenmother assured the Minister of their commitment to work together in unity and to promote peace and development within the Sunyani Traditional Area.
Source:
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