“We Buy Land Elsewhere to Bury Our Dead Due to Poor Leadership” – Adankrangya Residents Lament, Appeal for Investigation

Residents of Adankrangya in the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region have raised concerns about the leadership of their chief, Nana Oppong Frenyam II, accusing him of poor leadership, lack of accountability and neglect of the welfare of communities under his traditional authority.

The residents claim they are now forced to purchase land in neighbouring communities to bury their deceased, alleging that lands within Adankrangya have been sold without proper accountability.

They further accused Nana Oppong Frenyam II of prioritising activities they believe generate financial benefits over the development and welfare of the traditional area. They also alleged that the chief is involved in or supports illegal mining activities along the Dankran River.

Similar concerns have reportedly been raised by residents of Asuadae, Aworasa and other surrounding communities in the Amansie Central District, which also fall under the traditional authority of Nana Oppong Frenyam II. Residents in those communities have expressed concerns about alleged illegal mining activities and their impact on the environment and livelihoods.

The residents of Adankrangya also claimed that despite the alleged sale of lands within the traditional area, the communities continue to face serious developmental challenges, including inadequate potable water and toilet facilities.

They said the lack of toilet facilities has forced some residents to resort to open defecation, creating serious sanitation and public health concerns.

The residents further accused the Omanhene of disregarding the views of members of the traditional council and failing to adequately consult them on important matters concerning the development of the traditional area.

According to them, the alleged leadership style has created widespread dissatisfaction and contributed to hardships among residents of communities under his jurisdiction.

The aggrieved residents have therefore appealed to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to order a thorough investigation into the allegations against Nana Oppong Frenyam II.

They further called on the Asantehene to consider destooling the chief if the allegations are proven, arguing that what they describe as autocratic leadership has contributed to hardship and other challenges in the communities.

Nana Oppong Frenyam II exercises traditional authority over Adankrangya in the Bekwai Municipality, as well as Asuadae, Aworasa and other communities in the Amansie Central District.

Efforts to obtain a response from Nana Oppong Frenyam II or his representatives regarding the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

By Samuel Sarkodie