The overlord of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional area, Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has called for collaboration between the traditional leadership of the country and various government agencies and institutions.
“As traditional leaders, it is incumbent on us to collaborate and assist the government in achieving its objectives and liberating the citizenry,” he said.
The Okyenhene made the call yesterday after giving out a 200-acre parcel of land to the State Housing Company Limited without any charge. This is part of his contribution towards the government’s affordable housing project.
According to him, the housing deficit in the country is a blot on the conscience of well-meaning Ghanaians “and so, the time has come for all of us to support the government and the current leadership of State Housing Company Limited to give our people well-deserved, decent accommodation.”
Publicity
The Okyenhene urged management of the company and other state institutions to continue to publicise achievements and projects of their institutions.
“It is to your glory and that of the President as well as the country. So, please, don’t sit down for some group of people to say nothing is happening. A lot is happening, but you’ll need to put in more effort to let the public know,” he advised.
The Okyenhene, together with the Queenmother of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Nana Adutwumwaa Dokua, assured SHC that the parcel of land is litigation-free and without any encumbrance.
Assurance
Expressing his appreciation, Kwabena Ampofo Appiah, Managing Director of State Housing Company Limited, commended the Okyenhene for his swift response to his request. He assured the Okyenhene and the people of Akyem Abuakwa that “the project will come alive very soon”.
He disclosed that the government in the last budget statement presented in Parliament earmarked funds for the construction of affordable houses in every district for the use of civil and public servants, especially.
“Yesterday, I was in Kumasi to inspect a parcel of land for the same project so we are very grateful for your warm reception. And I promise you that this project would come alive very soon. We are prepared,” Mr Ampofo Appiah said.
He hinted that the project would be replicated across all districts in the country, and called on other traditional leaders to support the project.
The SHC delegation to the Ofori Panin Fie included Dr Theresa Tuffour, Director of Housing at the Ministry of Works and Housing; Isaac Mensah Frimpong, Business Development Manager of SHC; and Daniel Dwamena, Operations Manager of SHC.
