Nananom Boycott 24-Hour Economy Market Sod-Cutting Over MCE Non Formal Invitation.

Traditional leaders in the Awutu Senya East Municipality have boycotted a planned sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a 24-hour economy market at Kasoa New Market.

The chiefs say they will no longer release traditional lands for government projects until political leaders respect their authority and properly engage them on development projects.

They have accused the Municipal Chief Executive, Seth Sabah Serwonoo-Banini, and the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, of allegedly using lands reserved by the traditional authorities for purposes that do not benefit the people.

The traditional leaders say their decision to boycott the sod-cutting ceremony is to register their displeasure over what they describe as the continuous disregard for the authority of the traditional council.

The planned ceremony was scheduled to pave the way for construction of a 24-hour economy market around the Kasoa New Market area.

But the chiefs insist the land had not been released by the traditional authorities for the project but the Assembly used byforce for the project

Speaking at a press conference, Boundary Chief of the Awutu Traditional Council, Nai Kwabena Atopi, expressed concern over the conduct of the Municipal Chief Executive and the Member of Parliament.

He particularly cited the construction of permanent stalls around the Kasoa Interchange by a private individual after hundreds of traders had earlier been evicted from the area.

According to him, the traditional council was also allegedly misled during the construction of stores at the old Kasoa Market.

The chiefs say although they remain committed to supporting government development initiatives, they cannot continue to tolerate what they describe as the sidelining of traditional authorities.

They are therefore appealing to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and call the MCE and MP to order before the situation escalates.

Meanwhile, the Odikro of Kasoa, Nai Saani Seidu II, also accused the Assembly, led by MCE Seth Banini, and the MP, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, of failing to properly engage the traditional authorities on development projects and the the government officials are using dubious ways to claim lands in the municipality for their personal gains.

Furthermore Other traditional leaders warned that continued disregard for the concerns of the traditional authorities could create unnecessary tension and undermine peace in Kasoa.

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