The Presidency yesterday witnessed history following the visit to Jubilee House by some National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament (MPs).
Since the Akufo-Addo reign took office, yesterday was the first time that a number of MPs from the opposing side, especially the NDC, have been to the President’s Office, Akufo-Addo said.
The MPs for Nkronza North, Joseph Kwasi Mensah, Pru East, Kwabena Donkor, Sene West, Kwame Twumasi Ampofo, and others were part of a delegation from the Bono Regional House of Chiefs which paid a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo.
Led by the President of the House of Chiefs, Nana Yaw Pimampim Kagbrese V, they said that they had come as a region to thank “you (Akufo-Addo) for the creation of the Bono East region and the development agenda for Ghana and the region in particular.”
Opening his remarks, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the presence of the delegation, with particular mention of the NDC MPs, while laughing.
As is customary of Akufo-Addo, he made light of the situation, while expressing his delight that the NDC MPs felt compelled to join the delegation in the interests of the Bono East Region.
RESPONSE TO DELEGATION
In his remarks, President Akufo-Addo believed the creation of the new region was yielding results. He said he was grateful that the chiefs had noticed and commended him.
Responding to their concerns about poor road infrastructure, President Akufo-Addo observed that it was part of the huge situation in the entire country, which his government was gradually dealing with.
With regards to the Bono East Region, the President informed the chiefs that some 37 road projects were active, and that the Roads Minister had told him that 19 of the projects had been suspended due to financial challenges. However, he assured the delegation that steps were being taken to deal with the delay.
“The contractors will be back very soon, cross [your] fingers. I am hoping that by the time I am on my regional tour, we will see some evidence of the contractors’ being back to work,” he said.
POLICE SITUATION
Responding to the issue of the withdrawal of the Police Service personnel, President Akufo-Addo debunked the claim of the chiefs.
On the contrary, he informed them that he had been briefed by the Inspector General of Police that only charge office duties had been withdrawn following the attack. He, however, assured them that the matter would be dealt with accordingly.
Meanwhile, the President urged the chiefs to advise their people not to attack the police, “But at the same time, Nananom, speak with the people. Attacking police stations will not help anyone,” Akufo-Addo told the chiefs.
CHIEFS ADDRESS
Addressing President Akufo-Addo, the President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese, said they had come to praise him for initiatives like the Free Senior High School (SHS), One District, One Factory (1D1F), Planting for Food and Jobs, Agenda 111, and ongoing projects in the region, and pledged their support for same.
Further, he recalled that at the inauguration of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, they requested an office, which the President agreed to. As a result, he added, land had been allocated and was ready for further action.
He also pointed out that only a few contractors were on site at the various road projects in the region, and, therefore, appealed to the President “for an intervention for the road projects to be completed.”
On agriculture, he advocated for support from the President on rice production in the region to create job opportunities and other developments.
Though he commended the government for security in the area, he pointed out that the Police Service personnel had been withdrawn from the Nkronza area for the past four months following some issues.
According to Nana Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V, the withdrawal of police in the region was causing more fear in the people, as they were unable to go about their daily lives in peace. He pleaded with the President to call the police back to the area.
REGIONAL VISIT
Yesterday was the first time the Bono East Region visited Jubilee House since its creation in 2018, which explained the huge delegation that trooped to the Presidency.
The delegation, led by the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, presented kente as a gift to the President, which comprised the members of Parliament, the Regional Minister and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives.
