Akyem Wenchi citizens threaten to boycott elections 2008

The Chiefs and people of Akyem Wenchi in the Kwaebibrem District of the Eastern Region say they will not vote in next year's General Elections if government fails to rehabilitate their poor roads.

The threat was issued when the Deputy Regional Minister Ofosu Asamoah paid a courtesy call on Osabarima Atwere Bediako, Chief of Akyem Wenchi at his palace to introduce himself to the traditional ruler.

Residents besieged the chiefs' palace to make their appeal when they heard of the arrival of the Deputy Regional Minister, who is also a Member of Parliament for Kade constituency.

Osabarima Atwere said the bad nature of roads affect socio-economic activities of the people adding that foodstuffs cannot be transported to market centres at Kade and Akyem Oda.

He said most commercial vehicles which ply Kade, Wenchi and Oda have stopped operating on the routes.
Osabarima Atwere said the few drivers who plied the routes are taking advantage of the situation to charge exorbitant fares. Osabarima Atwere however commended the government for the construction of school blocks, the Capitation Grant and the School Feeding Programme, which he said have increased enrolment at the basic school level.

The Deputy Regional Minister Ofosu Asamoah appealed to the people to remain calm since plans are far advanced to put the roads in good shape.