By Samuel Ansah Boateng
Indegens of Akyem Kotoku in the Eastern region have showered praises on President Akuffo Addo for his pledge and commitment to resolve a long standing chieftaincy dispute in the area.
Some residents of the area believe “the same president, who was able to restore peace in Dagbon in the Northern region, can fulfil his pledge to restore peace in Kotokuman “.
“We trust the president to deliver on this promise quickly so the people of Kotoku can unite again and live in peace”, Kwaku Ayim, a taxi driver in the area has said.
They called on the president to expedite moves to form a committee of eminent persons from Akyem Kotoku to see to the restoration of peace and unity in the area without political interference. “We are calling for this move because, Akyem Kotokuman is an area that has been blessed with many top notch politicians, including the Yaw Osafo Marfo, but none of them has over the years made an attempt to help resolve our chieftaincy dispute. If the president wants to bring in politicians to help resolve the issue, he is welcomed, but certainly not politicians from Akyem Kotoku “Akua Odura, a market woman in the area also averred.
“Unity is what the people of Akyem need, that is the only way we can progress and develop as one people, we cannot live in unity and peace when the roof over our heads is on fire, we support the president and pray he is able to restore peace and unity among our chiefs in Kotokuman, he did it for the people of Dagbon and others and we know he can deliver for us too”, Grace Kodua, another market woman noted.
These calls and concerns came when Oberempon Sintim Opoku III, the Benkumhene of Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area, during the president’s tour in the area called on the President to intervene in the Kotoku chieftaincy related issues, which had persisted for ages and retarded development.
The President however, in response, expressed optimism that with collective support from all chiefs in the Kotoku Traditional Area, the issues would be amicably resolved before the end of his term.
