Asuotianohene calls for customary rites before 24-Hour Market project begins

The Asuotianohene and Dompenhene of the Dormaa Akwamu Division in the Dormaa East District, Baffour Danso Aseidu Abiam, has appealed to local authorities to ensure that the contractor for the proposed 24-hour market project observes all customary protocols before commencing work.

He made the appeal when the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Osei Owusu King, and his delegation paid a courtesy call on him at the Asuotiano Palace as part of the Assembly’s ongoing community engagement tour.

Baffour Abiam noted that although a formal sod-cutting ceremony had already been held to mark the commencement of the project, the contractor was still required to seek the blessings and approval of the traditional authority through the appropriate customary rites.

He also appealed to the DCE and the District Assembly to support the Asuotiano community with the renovation of its market to address flooding during the rainy season.

The chief further called for a reliable water supply to the public toilet facility and urged the authorities to establish a police presence or introduce regular patrols to improve security in the town.

Responding to the concerns, Hon. Osei Owusu King thanked the traditional leaders for their warm reception and apologised on behalf of the contractor for failing to observe the customary protocols.

He explained that the oversight might have resulted from a lack of awareness of the local traditions and assured the chief that the contractor would visit the palace to perform the necessary rites before proceeding with the project.

The DCE also assured the traditional authority that the Assembly would assess the other concerns raised and consider them within the limits of its available resources.

He appealed to the traditional council to support the Assembly in securing suitable land for a proposed lorry station and urged the traditional leaders to continue promoting peace and unity in the area.

In response, Baffour Danso Aseidu Abiam assured the DCE of the council’s commitment to providing land for the proposed lorry station.

He also reaffirmed the council’s commitment to maintaining peace in the community, saying previous misunderstandings within the traditional leadership had been resolved.