Residents of Akwamu in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region have given the government a two-week ultimatum to address several pressing issues affecting their community.
Over the weekend, the residents staged a protest to voice their frustration over what they see as neglect by successive governments.
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Dressed in red and black, the protesters marched from New Akrade to the Atimpoku roundabout, chanting protest songs to draw attention to their grievances.
Traditional leaders joined the peaceful demonstration, named “Walking for Attention,” and performed libation rituals to invoke blessings on the event, which was closely monitored by the Akosombo Police command with support from the Odumase Division.
Protesters held placards with messages such as “VRA, give employment to the people of Akwamu. Stop the sale of Akwamu lands,” and “Akwamu deserves better.”
The convener, Emmanuel Ansah Amadi, emphasized the importance of the Akwamu area to the country, highlighting the community’s contributions, such as providing land for the construction of the Akosombo Dam and the Adome Bridge, which benefit the entire nation.
“The people of Akwamu have shown unwavering generosity and patriotism, offering their lands for critical infrastructure projects. Despite these contributions, the Akwamu people find themselves sidelined, with their lands continuously taken and their efforts ignored,” Amadi said. “We are not asking for special treatment; we are asking for fairness, respect, and acknowledgement of our pivotal role in the nation’s progress.”
The group also pointed out that the government has yet to respond to any of the 13 letters they have written.
Lead convener Dr. Nana Kwame Acheampong Kwakye raised concerns about the alleged renaming of the Tema Mpakadan Railway Station to Juapong Station and vowed to resist this change.
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“Renaming the railway station to reflect the true heritage of the land is a necessary first step. Furthermore, broader recognition and respect for the Akwamu people’s contributions must be established,” Kwakye stated.
After addressing the crowd, the group presented a petition outlining their grievances to the District Chief Executive of Asuogyaman, Mavis Akonnor, who received the petition on behalf of the government. She praised the leadership for ensuring a peaceful protest and assured the residents that their concerns would be communicated to the appropriate authorities for resolution.
