Residents of Abuontem in the Bosomtwe District of Ashanti region have staged a demonstration against their Chief over the takeover of a community park.
According to the protestors, the chief, Nana Akomea Sakyi Tutu Ampam, prior to his ascension to the throne, reached an agreement with the residents to use the community football pitch to build his palace.
In exchange, the chief also promised to redevelop another pitch for the community.
But after two years, the chief has yet to fulfil his part of the agreement, leading to the ‘Yɛgye yɛ park’ demonstration.
Leader of the protestors, Frank Assuah says the community needs to host inter-schools football competition, but they are losing the opportunity due to the non-availability of a pitch.
“Now the Chief has turned the pitch into an events centre which we don’t have a problem with, but he should redevelop what he promised for us so that the community will get some places to hold athletics,” he stated.
The residents have given the chief a one-month ultimatum to construct a pitch for the community.
Adom news followed up the matter to the Abuontem traditional council.
The Abusuapanin, Kofi Tutu Ampam, admitted that the community reached an agreement to offer the community pitch for their chief to build the palace but the traditional council has delayed in fulfilling their part.
He says the chief has prepared a portion of land for the pitch redevelopment but the project stalled due to some challenges.
“The youth agitating are right but I will plead on behalf of my chief Nana Akomea Sakyi Tutu Ampam to urge them to exercise patience. Their pitch will be redeveloped soon to have peace in the community.
“We need peace in Abuontem and we will ensure that happens to Foster development,” said the Abusuapanin.
Source : Joseph Obeng