Accra: The Paramount Chief and President of the Som© Traditional Council, Togbui Adama III, has expressed dissatisfaction over government officials' engagements with Assembly Members in the area without the involvement of traditional authorities. Speaking during a courtesy call by the Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, as part of his working tour of the Ketu South Municipality, Togbui Adama highlighted that chiefs had been sidelined, especially during community crises such as the recent tidal wave disasters at Gavedzi, Salakofe, and Amutinu.
According to Ghana News Agency, Togbui Adama noted that relief and support interventions by government officials were often coordinated solely with Assembly Members, excluding chiefs and community leaders. He described this practice as disrespectful and detrimental to traditional governance. Togbui Adama expressed concerns over the disregard for traditional authority by some Assembly Members, attributing it to the way government officials have chosen to engage the local leadership structure.
Despite these concerns, Togbui Adama III commended the government for its efforts in responding to the tidal wave crisis and the awarding of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project Phase II to protect the coastal belt. He also appealed to the Minister for the construction of the Agbozume-Adina road, a critical route that connects other coastal communities of Som© to Agbozume, emphasizing that the road would ease movement for traders and facilitate community meetings and development.
Additionally, Togbui Adama called on the government to support the rehabilitation of the Agbozume and Denu markets. He disclosed that a native of Agbozume had pledged to redevelop the Som© National Basic School, located behind the Agbozume market, and expand the market in front of the school. He urged government intervention in compensating affected property owners to facilitate the project and appealed for the deployment of more police personnel to the Agbozume District Command to help address rising crime in the area.
In response, Regional Minister Mr. James Gunu assured the Traditional Council that their concerns would be addressed. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to partnering with traditional authorities and stakeholders in addressing the pressing development needs of the area. Mr. Gunu also assured that sod-cutting for the Blekusu Sea Defence Project Phase II would soon take place, following the award of the contract to Amandi Company. He emphasized that the project would protect lives, restore livelihoods, and revitalize the local economy.
