By Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Accra, Oct. 08, GNA – Awulae Blay IX, Paramount Chief of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area, has led a delegation of traditional leaders to pay a courtesy call on Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, and honoured him with a developmental chieftaincy title.
The delegation, comprising sub-chiefs and queen mothers, conferred the title on the Minister in recognition of his contribution to the development of Ellembelle and the wider Nzema area.
During the visit at the Ministry in Accra, Awulae Blay IX commended Mr Armah-Kofi Buah for his efforts towards preserving the legacy of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah and pledged the support of the traditional authorities for his tenure.
He said the chiefs had long intended to meet the Minister to congratulate him on his appointment and assure him of their support.
Awulae Blay IX said Mr Armah-Kofi Buah’s continued efforts to organise the annual Nkrumafest had helped to preserve the legacy and values of Ghana’s first President for present and future generations.
The Paramount Chief presented the Minister with a traditional stool to symbolise the developmental title conferred on him by the traditional authorities.
The delegation also raised concerns about the anticipated return of Adamus Resources Limited and the Government’s 12-month roadmap to revive the company.
Awulae Blay IX urged the Ministry to closely monitor the process to ensure that the revival of the mine yielded tangible benefits for the people of Nzema.
“The revival of the mine should bring jobs, livelihoods, investment opportunities and wider economic development to our people,” he said.
The chiefs also appealed to the President, through the Minister, to consider renaming Ghana Gas as “Atuabo Gas”, saying that would strengthen the sense of ownership of the facility among the people of Atuabo and surrounding communities.
Awulae Blay IX pledged the continued support of the traditional authorities to the Ministry and its agencies.
Responding, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah expressed gratitude to the chiefs for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Nzema and the Western Region.
He said the annual Nkrumafest remained relevant to present and future generations and pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to make the event bigger and more impactful.
On Adamus Resources, the Minister assured the chiefs that their concerns were being addressed under the Government’s roadmap for the company.
He said the committee established by the President had been given a clear mandate to ensure that the company settled its outstanding liabilities, developed a sustainable revival plan and attracted fresh capital, including through additional partners acquiring equity in the mining operation.
“Adamus Resources will engage the traditional authorities, listen to their concerns and incorporate them into the revival process to ensure that the mine operates sustainably and delivers tangible benefits to the people of Nzema,” he said.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah further assured the delegation that the Government would continue to address development challenges confronting the area, including roads and other critical infrastructure.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Email: [email protected]