Awenade:Residents of Awenade in the Kwahu West Municipality of the Eastern Region are calling for the urgent installation of a new chief, attributing the ongoing illegal mining activities and lack of development to the absence of traditional leadership.
According to Ghana Web, the appeal was made during a community meeting with the town’s Queen Mother, Nana Ama Boatemaa, and other traditional leaders. Residents highlighted their concerns about the increasing menace of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, and the community's developmental challenges.
The residents emphasized that the leadership vacuum, due to the absence of a substantive chief, has hindered efforts to tackle these pressing issues. They urged the queen mother, the kingmakers, and relevant stakeholders to expedite the selection and installation of a new chief to reestablish traditional leadership and promote development in Awenade.
In response to the residents' concerns, Rev. Abayie, representing Nana Ama Boatemaa, assured the community that the kingmakers are dedicated to appointing a successor and installing a new chief by the end of 2026. This assurance comes amidst increasing demands from residents for effective measures to address the challenges facing the community.
Additionally, Kofi Owusu, the Abusuapanyin of the Awenade Agona Denkyira Royal Family, confirmed that efforts are underway to secure a new chief promptly. The community is now looking to the traditional authorities to fulfill their promises as the call for a new chief intensifies alongside concerns about illegal mining and the community's slow development progress.