Agona kwanyako: Mr Richard Asiedu, Central Regional Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), has given a firm assurance that the government, under President John Mahama, is committed to resolving the current water crisis affecting Agona East, Agona Swedru, and other districts.
According to Ghana News Agency, the government has deployed military officers and other security forces to Akim Apapamum to halt illegal mining activities that have been polluting the upstream of Ayensu River. This measure aims to bring relief to the communities of Kwanyako, Agona Swedru, and their surrounding areas.
Mr Asiedu provided this assurance during a durbar of Chiefs and residents of Agona Kwanyako to mark the 2025 Akwambo festival in the Agona East District of the Central Region. He mentioned that efforts are underway to restore the Ayensu River to its normal state by the end of October 2025.
The Regional Chairman of the NDC commended Nana Dr Ampim Darko V, Agona Kwanyakohene, for preventing illegal miners from accessing the Ayensu River and expressed concern over the inability of Akim Apapamum’s chiefs to prevent miners from entering the Atiwa Forest, the river’s source.
As a temporary measure to alleviate the community’s water challenges, Mr Asiedu stated that nine boreholes are planned for various communities in Agona Kwanyako, with one already completed in Agona Swedru. He expressed optimism about the river’s cleanliness being restored soon.
In terms of education, Mr Asiedu announced that a contract has been secured from GETFUND to construct additional dormitories at Kwanyako Senior High Technical School, aiming to increase student intake in the next academic year.
The festival also featured chiefs from Agona Kwanyako being carried in palanquins through the town’s main streets, showcasing the area’s cultural heritage. The event was attended by Okofo Katakyi Nyarkoh Eku X, Paramount Chief of Agona Nyakrom Traditional Area, and other prominent chiefs.
Nana Dr Ampim Darko, Kyidomhene of Agona Nyakrom Traditional Area and Kwanyakohene, praised the unity displayed by the chiefs attending the festival together. He emphasized the community’s role in building the Senior High School through communal labour and urged Mr Asiedu to ensure promises for the school’s expansion are fulfilled.
The 2025 Akwambo festival aimed to raise funds for constructing an ultra-modern community center, which is progressing steadily after resolving legal disputes. Nana Dr Ampim Darko also appealed for government support to complete a stalled bridge over the Ayensu River, a project pending for over a decade, which would connect the town to Awutu Bontrase and nearby areas.
On health matters, he commended the residents for their contributions to building wards at the health center and appealed to the government for further expansion to meet the growing population’s healthcare needs.