Choicenewsonline Your Choice Is Here
Artisans based at Odeneho Kwadaso, near Dr. Anane Hospital in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), have made a passionate appeal to the government and the Asantehene, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for intervention to protect a portion of land they have legally acquired for their operations. They claim that after going through the legitimate processes to secure the land several years ago, certain individuals, allegedly with support from staff of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), are attempting to forcefully remove them and reallocate the land to others.
In a press conference held on the matter, Mr. Opoku James, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lion King Engineering Company, a key representative of the artisans, voiced his concerns over what he described as unfair attempts to displace them from the land they rightfully acquired. He appealed to the relevant authorities, including the government and the traditional leadership of the Ashanti Kingdom, to intervene and prevent what they see as an unjust takeover.
“We have followed all due processes to secure this land for our operations. Now, some individuals, under the guise of NADMO and KMA officials, are trying to stop us from working here. We see this as a clear attempt to reallocate the land to other people, and we are asking for help before it is too late,” Mr. Opoku lamented.
He further emphasized the benefits the artisans’ presence would bring to the community, particularly for the youth. According to him, the planned establishment of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center would offer skills training for young people in the area, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy.
“The land is not just for us; it’s for the future of the youth in this community. If we are allowed to operate here, we will provide training in various trades, which will help reduce unemployment and poverty among the youth,” Mr. Opoku added.
Several other master artisans also shared their concerns, echoing Mr. Opoku’s call for government and traditional intervention to safeguard their land and livelihoods. They expressed their fear that losing the land would have dire consequences not only for their businesses but also for the hundreds of young people who stand to benefit from skills training at the proposed TVET center.
The artisans are hopeful that the government, alongside Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is revered for his role in maintaining peace and protecting the welfare of his people, will step in to resolve the matter amicably and ensure that justice is served.
As of now, the artisans continue to wait for a resolution, with many expressing their determination to fight for what they believe is their rightful property. Their appeal adds to a growing number of similar cases in the Kumasi metropolis, where disputes over land allocation have raised concerns about transparency and fairness in the process.
Call for Swift Intervention
The artisans are urging the government to expedite investigations into the matter and put a halt to any attempts to seize the land. They argue that their work contributes significantly to the local economy, and disrupting their operations would have negative impacts on the community.
They remain optimistic that with the attention of the Asantehene and the government, a fair resolution will be reached to secure the land for their continued operations, ensuring the sustainability of their businesses and the future of TVET training for the youth of Odeneho Kwadaso.
The coming days will reveal how the authorities respond to this pressing issue.
By Asumadu Darkwa Sowa (kessben media)
