His Gracious Majesty Oseadeeyo Dr. Frimpong Manso IV, Chief of Akyem Kotoku State has stepped in to ease the growing tensions surrounding the allocations of Oda Central, Nkwantanum and Old Premier Markets stores in Akim Oda.
The Central market, which was razed down by an inferno in 2021, was recently built and commissioned by President Akufo-Addo. However, allocation of especially the Central and Old Premier stores has sparked immense controversy among previous occupants and several interest groups.
The Akyem Kotoku Traditional Council in a letter addressed to the MCE Joyce A Agyeiwaa, noted amongst others that Oseadeeyo’s outfit has received several complaints from previous market occupants of the Central Market whilst other interests groups have raised serious objections.
The letter also stressed that: “His Gracious Majesty Oseadeeyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV-Allodial Title Holder of all Akyem Kotoku Lands and His Chiefs were not consulted or engaged prior to and during the constructions of the said Markets”.
The disheartening part of the letter which has caused the Market women and Oda townfolks to rally support behind the King is the fact that several invitations regarding the Markets’ allocation had been ignored by the Birim Central MCE Joyce A Agyeiwaa.
A similar letter addressed to the MP for Akyem Oda Hon Akwasi Acquah hinted that the “ MP …has withheld every information regarding the sources of funding, costs, completion dates and allocation plans from Oseadeeyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV”.
There’s no doubt that the MP and MCE alike have had a caustic relationship with the Akyem Kotoku Overlord Oseadeeyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV -a reason why he and the MCE had refused invitations to brief Oseadeeyo on allocation modalities.
Amidst the constant agitations and protests of market women and interest groups alike, Oseadeeyo in the circular released from the Traditional Council directed that the allocation of markets’ stores be halted until all necessary stakeholders have met to finalize the allocation modalities.
This move is aimed at easing the tensions and bringing peace to Akim Oda.The allocation of markets’ stores is a sensitive issue and it requires careful handling to avoid conflicts and controversies. Market women and interest groups have welcomed Oseadeeyo’s intervention as an acknowledgement of their concerns.
By calling for a halt to the allocation process and stakeholders’ engagement the Market women and Interests parties believe their concerns would be addressed and the allocations would fair and transparent.
In the coming week, His Gracious Majesty will schedule a meeting with all stakeholders and work out a formidable allocation plan to ensure the concerns of the Market women and interest groups aware addressed so peace could prevail.
Source: Bernard K Dadzie; Greater Accra Region
