Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed claims that decisions concerning the siting of a proposed market in Wa are being directed by unnamed authorities 'from above.' He emphasized that the final decision rests with the local people and traditional leaders.
According to Ghana Web, President Mahama, speaking at an event in the Upper West Region, criticised attempts by individuals to justify land acquisition decisions by attributing them to a higher authority. He questioned the practice of blaming directives 'from above' and asserted that there is no external authority dictating these decisions. In a video shared on TikTok, he remarked, "And they like doing this from above, from above, from above. I don't know who is above there. Somebody goes and wants to take somebody's land, they say it's directed from above. There's no above anywhere. That market is yours."
President Mahama underscored the importance of local ownership in the decision-making process. He stated that the people of Wa, along with their traditional leaders and local authorities, must be the ones deciding on the location of the market. He stressed that development projects should prioritize the collective interest of the community rather than serve the agenda of a few individuals.
He concluded by urging collaboration among the Wa Naa, authorities, and stakeholders to reach a consensus that would maximize benefits for the people of Wa. "You have to decide where you want to site it, and so it's my hope that the Wa Naa and all the authorities and the stakeholders will come together and come to an agreement where this market, if it's sited, will give the greatest benefit to the people of the Wa municipality," he noted.