‘Your Remarks Were Unfortunate and Undermine the Peace, Dignity and Development of Our Community’ – Gyedu Chief Gives Mfantseman MCE One-Week Ultimatum

The Chief of Gyedu and Asaamanhen of the Mankessim Traditional Council, Nana Anyanful VI, has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Mfantseman, Hon. Eric Stanley Acquah, to publicly explain and justify remarks he made about the Gyedu community during the recent two-day National Sanitation Exercise.

Addressing a press conference in Gyedu attended by traditional rulers, opinion leaders, assembly members, political party executives, residents and members of the media, Nana Anyanful VI described the MCE’s comments as “unfortunate, irresponsible and deeply offensive,” warning that they have the potential to undermine the peace, dignity and development of the community.

According to the chief, Hon. Eric Stanley Acquah, popularly known as Mfantseman KK, stated during the sanitation exercise that the proposed 24-hour market, initially earmarked for Mankessim, had been relocated because market women opposed the project and that it had been moved “to the bush.” The MCE further claimed that the new project site had become flooded and challenged the public to visit the area to witness its condition.

Nana Anyanful VI rejected the description, stressing that Gyedu is a recognized and steadily developing community with important public institutions, including the Divisional Police Command Headquarters and a Court Complex.

“Gyedu is neither a bush nor a village deserving of such derogatory remarks. Such comments are unfortunate, irresponsible and unbecoming of a representative of the President of the Republic,” the chief stated.

The traditional leader further explained that the site selected for the proposed 24-hour market is already benefiting from an IMF Signature Project, which he said demonstrates government’s confidence in the area’s long-term development potential.

He questioned why the Municipal Chief Executive would publicly seek to discredit a project site that had already received government approval and support.

Nana Anyanful VI also reminded the public that the sod-cutting ceremony for the 24-hour market project was attended by the Paramount Chief of the Mankessim Traditional Council, the Member of Parliament for the area, constituency executives, party leadership, government officials and the Municipal Chief Executive himself.

According to him, describing the project location in a disparaging manner amounts to disrespecting all the leaders and stakeholders who endorsed the initiative.

“His comments create the impression that the collective judgment of these distinguished leaders was flawed. That is regrettable and unacceptable,” he said.

Addressing concerns over the recent flooding at the project site, the chief maintained that it was the first such incident recorded in the area.

He disclosed that prior to the flooding, he had personally informed the MCE by forwarding photographs showing that a structure had allegedly been constructed on a natural waterway after permits were reportedly issued by the Municipal Assembly.

According to Nana Anyanful VI, despite alerting the Assembly to the potential danger, no immediate intervention was undertaken to remove the obstruction.

He argued that the Assembly’s failure to act contributed to the flooding and should not be used as justification to question the suitability of the project location.

“Development should never be undermined by inaction or neglect. This unfortunate situation could have been prevented,” he stated.

The chief also criticised another statement allegedly made by the MCE that if the Member of Parliament had organised the sanitation exercise, more residents would have participated.

He described the comment as divisive, saying it unnecessarily creates tension between government officials and party leadership instead of promoting unity and cooperation needed for the municipality’s development.

Nana Anyanful VI has therefore appealed to President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Dean of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), the National and Central Regional Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Central Regional Minister, the Mfantseman Member of Parliament, and other relevant authorities to investigate the matter and require the MCE to explain the basis of his remarks.

He subsequently gave Hon. Eric Stanley Acquah a one-week ultimatum to publicly explain his comments to the chiefs and people of Gyedu.

The chief warned that should the MCE fail to offer a satisfactory explanation or apology within the stipulated period, the people of Gyedu would pursue all lawful and democratic means to defend the dignity and reputation of their community.

Nana Anyanful VI further emphasised that Gyedu has consistently given overwhelming electoral support to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and has remained committed to the party’s success over the years.

“It is deeply painful that a community which has demonstrated unwavering support should become the subject of public ridicule by one of its own government appointees,” he said.

He concluded by reaffirming that the people of Gyedu remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to development, stressing that they seek no confrontation but only demand the dignity, respect and fairness their community deserves while continuing to support government initiatives that improve the lives of the people.

Find below the full statement delivered during the press conference: