By Philip Tengzu
Issa, (UW/R), March 12, GNA – The Issa Traditional Council in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District has strongly opposed the alleged relocation of a proposed Ghana Education Service (GES) office complex and ancillary facilities from Issa to Daffiama.
The Council described the move as “unlawful” because the project was originally designated for Issa, the district capital.
In a statement signed by Naa Yelekuang Bawele II, Paramount Chief of Issa Traditional Area, Council of Elders, Assembly Members, and youth leaders, it was stressed that: “Such actions threaten the social fabric and peace of our district.”
The statement noted that tender documents publicly advertised clearly specified Issa as the project location, which has been the district capital since 2012 and administrative center since 1983.
“This abrupt and unjustified redirection of resources is not only illegal but also appears to be a deliberate attempt to incite conflict between Issa and Daffiama, peace-loving communities that have coexisted harmoniously for decades,” the Council added.
Naa Bismark Bietuari, Secretary to the Paramount Chief, alleged at a press conference that the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council’s decision was influenced by the constituency’s Member of Parliament.
The Council demanded clarity and accountability, stating that the decision violates established policies and undermines the district’s development.
It cited the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), which stipulates that administrative offices, especially those related to district administration and service delivery, should be located in the district capital to ensure effective monitoring and coordination of government services.
The Council appealed to the President, Regional Minister, Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Administrator, and the MP to reverse the decision and honour the original tender.
Maintaining the GES office in Issa would reduce administrative inefficiencies and travel costs for officials within the district.
The statement questioned the level of stakeholder consultations and whether the relocation was re-advertised as required by law.
It also raised concerns about whether the contractor bid based on Issa or Daffiama as the project location.
The Council urged the Regional Minister to explain the rationale for the unpopular decision and reconsider it immediately.
Failure to act, it warned, would indicate prioritising political interests over fairness, justice, and the law.
Ignoring the appeal would also be seen as neglecting the district’s developmental needs and breaching statutory obligations, undermining Issa’s right to equitable infrastructure and administrative support.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Audrey Dekalu