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The Mankessim Traders Association has strongly condemned the decision by chiefs of the Nkusukum Traditional Council to place a ban on the Member of Parliament for Mfantseman, Hon. Ebenezer Prince Arhin, following the relocation of the proposed 24-Hour Economy Market project to Mankessim.
Addressing a press conference in Mankessim, leaders of the association described the ban as unfortunate and appealed to the chiefs to reconsider their decision in the interest of peace, unity, and development within the municipality.
The association’s president, popularly known as Aunty Agee, said traders were surprised to learn through social media reports that 32 divisional chiefs under the Nkusukum Traditional Council, led by the Paramount Chief, Nana Okesse Essandoh IX, had imposed a ban on the MP over his alleged role in relocating the proposed market from its original location to Mankessim.
According to her, the relocation of the market project was not a unilateral decision taken by the MP but rather the outcome of extensive consultations, stakeholder engagements, and agreements involving various interest groups within the municipality.
“We are appealing to our revered chiefs to look at the bigger picture and prioritize the development of the area. Several meetings were held and agreements reached before the decision was made to relocate the market to Mankessim,” she stated.
Aunty Agee emphasized that the proposed 24-Hour Economy Market is expected to create employment opportunities, boost local commerce, and improve the livelihoods of traders and residents in the municipality.
She argued that political and traditional disagreements should not be allowed to derail a project that promises significant economic benefits for the people.
The traders further called on both the traditional authorities and the Member of Parliament to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve any misunderstandings and foster cooperation for the progress of Mfantseman.
They stressed that maintaining harmony among political leaders, traditional authorities, and the business community is essential for attracting investment and ensuring the successful implementation of government development initiatives.
The association concluded by urging all parties involved to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful negotiations to prevent tensions from escalating and to safeguard the unity and stability of the municipality.
Story by Yaw Boagyan