1 day ago
23 ARTICLE AD
Two indigenous groups of Tema, Tema Obuade Wekunukpai (Tema Traditional Clan Heads) and the Tema Youth Association, have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to appoint natives of Tema as district heads of District Assemblies in the traditional area.
The groups, in separate letters to the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), stated that an indigenous party member should be appointed for the position of metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executive officers on lands under the Tema paramountcy.
“An indigenous party member has a deeper understanding of our culture, traditions, challenges, and aspirations, thus making him/her better equipped to address these issues effectively,” the Tema Obuade Wekunukpai stated.
They noted that presently, the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) was the only district among the lot that natives are recognised and given the position, and therefore appealed for the status quo to be maintained.
The Tema Youth Association stated in its letter that while Ashaiman is entirely Tema land, with Tema West having about 70 per cent of the area being under the Tema Traditional Council, and Kpone-Katamanso also having indigenous Tema communities such as Zenu, Kubekro, Sasaabi, and Adigon, the natives were often denied such appointments despite the sacrifice of their land, language, and identity for the good of the state.
They explained that, “This request is rooted in the need for effective representation and understanding of the local context.
“An indigene of Tema would possess inherent knowledge of the community’s history, culture, and challenges, enabling them to make informed decisions that benefit the community. Furthermore, this would also promote a sense of ownership and accountability among the locals. —GNA
