Mahama meets Asanteman Council; talks development

President John Mahama has assured the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II of his full commitment to ensuring the 2016 general elections are peaceful. He also appealed to Asante King to continue to give him good counsel to govern.

The President who is in the region as part of his Accounting to the People Tour was at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, to pay homage to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Asanteman Council generally as well to brief them about his mission.

He was accompanied by Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, Ashanti Regional Minister, John Alexander Ackon, the Roads and Highways Minister, Alhaji Innusah Fuseini., the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, COP Kofi Boakye, top party officials and some appointees including Ghana's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Victor Smith, and the Mayor of Kumasi, Kojo Bonsu

The ceremony was elaborate and the Asantehene sat in state with his sub-Chiefs before the arrival of the President.

He was greeted with traditional chanting and appellation by the Ntahrafuo followed by horn blowers after which dignitaries and government appointees present lined up, took turns to greet the Asantehene.

The Palace grounds erupted into cheers as NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia alias General Mosquito clinched his palms in prayerful and respectful mode to pay homage.

As tradition demands, the Asantehene’s entourage led by Nana Akyempimhene returned the gesture by walking to the President to welcome him.

After a brief introduction by the Ashanti Regional Minister, President Mahama gave a brief address. He explained that he could not first call on the Asantehene as traditional protocol required because, “Tuesday was Dapaa which made it difficult therefore I could not come and do the Amamre. But today (Wednesday) we have come to receive your blessing so we can proceed with our Accounting to the People Tour,” he explained.

The President added, ‘In my government’s work, some have received hospitals, schools, water and many more. If we do not go round and give the bigger picture, it is not easy to appreciate [them].”

President Mahama enumerated projects being executed in the region amidst cheers from the audience. “E dey Bee, E dey Bee,” they chanted.

His announcement that the Kumasi Central Market, the biggest and the most modern in Africa, when completed attracted a bigger applause. The President noted that the Kumasi Central Market attracts traders from Ghana’s neighbouring countries (as far as Mali) and expressed hope that the facility, when completed will further boost activities in the Central Business District of Kumasi.

President Mahama, characteristic of him, appeared very humble as he enumerated key projects in the Ashanti Regional capital.

These include a 70-kilometer asphalt overlay in Kumasi and surrounding communities as well as a massive Military hospital project that includes accommodation for 125 medical doctors and a helipad.

“The only Military Hospital was set up during the second world war. We have decided that the place where we deem it fit to build another one is here in Asanteman. It has accommodation for 125 Doctors and other medical professionals, a helipad, and it will be given a soft opening by the end of the first quarter of 2017 when I will come for you and I to go and inaugurate it,” he said to loud cheers.

The President thanked the Otumfuo for sending a delegation to him both in Accra and Busunu to support the burial of his late mother. He also went on to express his gratitude for the good advice, counsel and guidance the Asantehene has been giving him from his days as Vice President till date.

On the economy, he emphasized that the IMF programme even though has been difficult has helped to address the challenges.

“The currency is stable, inflation is stable, the deficit is going down. And so I want to thank you for your understanding and support,” he said.

He concluded by assuring the Chiefs ofa comprehensive arrangement and dedication to ensure the general elections are peaceful.

“We believe that when we vote there will be no confusion. I am one person who does not like confusion. If there is any confusion, it will not come from me” …the President asserted.

In a brief remark, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II pledged to support John Mahama, elected President of Ghana to help Ghana progress just as he did for former President John Kufuor when he went to Washington to seal the HIPC initiative.

On the impending elections, the Asantehene said he believes in the President’s pledge to protect the peace. He also noted that the NPP flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo has also made similar commitment and both will be held accountable for any breach.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu added that he together with other peace loving people will look out for trouble makers and disown them to protect the nation.

Earlier in the day, the President inaugurated the Adobewora Community Day SHS in the Atwima Mponua District. The school which can accommodate 1,500 students is equipped with a well-stocked library,staff common rooms, Chemistry, Physics and Biology laboratories, an ICT lab and 6 washrooms.

President Mahama also presented the school with a 60-seater bus and a pickup car to facilitate movement of teachers and students.

Later in the afternoon, President Mahama commissioned another Community Day Senior High School at Adugyuaman. Unlike other Community Day SHS, the Adugyuaman facility has teachers bungalows attached, a security gate and a Black Starr Square Arch. The school also received a 60-seater bus donated by government.

In a brief address, President Mahama said many considerations informed the choice of ADUGYUAMAN.

He noted that the number of children due for Secondary education is over 8000 but only 15% are enrolled. He advised teachers, students and the community at large to make good use of the school to achieve the purpose for which it was built.

President Mahama noted that the 'E' as it appears on the E-blocks stand for 'Excellence'. He therefore appealed to parents to take advantage of the new school to get their wards properly trained for a better future.

He also cautioned headmasters and teachers, "Any headmaster who charges unapproved fees will be sanctioned severely." And on that note he received a loud applause.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com