By Michael Pepsin Avorgah
Denu (V/R), Feb. 05, GNA – A high-powered government delegation, led by Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has engaged traditional authorities in the Ketu South Municipality, on the proposed elevation of the Assembly from Municipal to Metropolitan status.
The delegation, which visited the Municipality on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, included Mr Samuel Ampofo, Alhaji Ibrahim Dey Abubakari, Ambassador Akua Sena Dansua and Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, who met with the chiefs, opinion leaders and other stakeholders at the Ketu South Municipal Assembly Hall.
The delegation prior to the stakeholder engagement, paid courtesy calls on all three Paramount Chiefs in the Municipality at their respective palaces.
These were the Klikor Traditional Council, the Some’ Traditional Council and the Aflao Traditional Council, which together constitute the three paramountcies in Ketu South.
The meetings with the traditional authorities were held behind closed doors, after which the delegation returned to the Municipal Assembly Hall to address the public.
Addressing stakeholders, who had been keenly waiting, Mr Nicholas Worclachie, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ketu South, apologised for the delay, explaining that the delegation deemed it necessary to first engage the Paramount Chiefs extensively before any broader public interaction.
He said the discussions with the traditional leaders were crucial, as issues surrounding the elevation of the Assembly required broader consensus and acceptance by all major stakeholders.
Speaking to the media after the engagements, Mr Bright Solomon Kumordzie, the Deputy High Commissioner of Ghana to the Republic of Togo, clarified that the delegation was not in the Municipality to discuss the possible splitting of Ketu South, as speculated on social media.
He stressed that the sole purpose of the visit was to engage stakeholders on the proposed elevation of the Ketu South Municipal Assembly to a Metropolitan Assembly.
Mr Kumordzi explained that although a number of Municipalities across the country had been earmarked for elevation, Ketu South, which already met the population and other key criteria, had earlier been left out.
He said the delegation therefore consulted the chiefs on the way forward, including discussions on the proposed name of the new Metropolitan Assembly, whether it should remain Ketu South Metropolitan Assembly or adopt an alternative name.
“After engaging the three Paramount Chiefs, there was a general agreement that the elevation of Ketu South to a metropolitan status is the right direction,” Mr Kumordzi stated.
He added that further explanations helped the traditional leaders appreciate that metropolitan status could allow for the creation of two or more constituencies under one metropolitan administration, with significant development benefits.
Mr Kumordzi mentioned improved road infrastructure, higher allocations from the District Assemblies Common Fund, and accelerated infrastructural development as some of the key advantages associated with metropolitan status.
He therefore called on residents and stakeholders to embrace the proposed elevation, describing it as a major milestone and a collective achievement for the people of Ketu South.
For several years, sections of the Ketu South population have advocated for a split of the municipality, with proposals including the creation of Aflao Municipal and Klikor–Some Municipal Assemblies.
During the 2024 general election campaign, President John Dramani Mahama assured the people of Ketu South that his administration would address their concerns, noting that the constituency remained a stronghold of the NDC and that its population size justified administrative restructuring.
Mr Kumordzi reiterated that the government was committed to ensuring that the will of the people was achieved through broad consultations and consensus building.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo