From Isaac Akwetey-Okunor
The Manya Krobo Traditional Council in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality has called the general public to ignore media speculations of looming tension and turmoil in the area.
Speaking at a press conference organised by the Chief and people of the area, the spokesperson for the Traditional Council, Nene Aseda Ahor, who is also the Chief of Akuse, stressed: “There is no war in Manya Krobo”.
Krobo Mountain
Throwing light on what led to the speculations, the spokesperson explained that the Krobo Mountains is a sacred, respected and highly valued historical site for all Krobos, and at no time was there were any negotiations or discussions about selling it to any entity, as has been widely rumoured and carried carried by the media.
He continued: “There have been no secret deals, financial arrangements, procurement or receipt of funds of any kind whatsoever with respect to this matter by the Traditional Council or Nene Sakite II, Konor of Manya Krobo”.
“Mis-information and rumours being manufactured by some people contributed to the seeming atmosphere of anger and distrust related to the cleaning up of the site. There has never been any contractual arrangement to excavate, to sell, or to remove any historical items from the Krobo Mountains. This is a complete falsehood,” he pointed out.
Nene Ahor hinted that any indigenous Krobo is aware that one cannot bring home any item found on the mountain, since it is a taboo, hence indigenous Krobos would continue to commit to preserving and protecting this important historic site.
He, however, admitted that The Traditional Council had full and robust discussions regarding the issue of cleaning and upgrading the mountain site for tourism and recreational purposes, which agreement, consensus and support to move forward with the decision was reached.
Emphasising on the importance of the area, he said that “the Krobo Mountains cannot and will never be sold. It is our “family house. One cannot sell your family house”.
However, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Traditional Council averred that the appropriate opportunities to advance the economic and social development of Manya Krobo, through diligent, honest and transparent economic development initiatives related to the Krobo Mountain, will remain an important component of our economic development strategy.
Nene Sakite II, Konor of Manya Krobo, says he is committed to the setting up of a representative cultural committee to oversee any engagement with sacred cultural or historical sites on Krobo land in the future.
This committee, which formation is consistent with the strong cultural institutional framework needed to protect and advance the cultural interests of the Manya Krobo State, Nene Ahor stated, would report to the Traditional Council before any decision is taken in any related area.
Chieftaincy Issues
Touching on issues concerning chieftaincy, the Akuse Matse admitted that chieftaincy matters are sometimes complex and often involve historical considerations, legal, jurisdictional, and cultural obligations, as well as important interpersonal relations.
Inevitably, disagreements occur from time to time, and this is normal in a complex process which often has competing interests and sometimes difficult decisions to make. These decisions sometimes include discipline, redress, accountability and commitment to the stool.
The Konor of Manya Krobo, in his own right, his divisional chiefs and members of the Traditional Council reserve the right to make appropriate decisions on behalf of the people of Manya Krobo.
Additionally, it is the prerogative of the Konor of Manya Krobo to install chiefs (under the advice of his council) in areas of Manya Krobo that do not fall under any particular division.
The Okomo (State Priest/ Djemeno) reports directly to the Paramountcy, and is directly accountable to the Konor.
It is, therefore, the considered view of the Traditional Council that the Akwenor Division has no basis for boycotting the Durbar of Chiefs and people of Manya Krobo of the recent Ngmayem Festival.
Nene Sakite II, in his speech to the gathering at Ngmayem, expressed outrage at the various rumours and insinuations being expressed about the Krobo Mountains, and allegations with respect to his role.
According to the spokesperson, as the Paramount Chief of the area, at no time did he use insulting language against any specific individuals, chiefs or divisions of Manya Krobo.
His speech is in the public domain, and a copy is also available for review.
He assured the people of the area over the Many Krobo Traditional Council’s resolve to continue its vigilance and commitment to strong and democratic practices of planning and decision-making in the best interests of the state.
He said the Traditional Council remains united and continues to be committed to providing strong leadership through good governance, transparency, accountability and collaboration.
Advice to the media
The Traditional Council encouraged the media, in its reporting, to be balanced, fair and objective, as well as promote responsibility, thoroughness and exceptional journalistic ethics, especially when the issues at hand are complex and many-sided, and where rumours and insufficient information can contribute to perceptions that might not be accurate.