A protracted chieftaincy dispute at Kumawu in the Ashanti region is impeding socio-economic development in the area, residents say.
There has been a dispute between two people for the past year as each of them is laying claim to Kumawu Paramountcy, something the residents say has stalled development in the town. They say they have had enough of the conflict and need a united leadership for growth.
A group, Kumawuman Subjects Living Home and Abroad, which is representing the residents, are asking for an immediate end to the dispute for development to thrive.
They have consequently petitioned the National House of Chiefs to declare the legitimate candidate for the paramountcy so that the people can accord that person the chieftaincy title and the necessary privileges.
The group claimed because of constant litigation, the community was deprived of developmental projects under the reign of the late paramount chief Barima Asumadu Sakyi II who died some eight years ago.
Residents were thus hoping for unity after the death of the Kumawumanhene but another chieftaincy dispute erupted a year ago which the residents say, could become entrenched if nothing is done about it.
Spokesperson for the group, David Asumadu, said at a press conference that they have monitored the situation in the area and would like to address them appropriately.
“We have drafted a developmental plan to aid us in steering our town in the right direction which seeks to bring about a structured, efficient and desirable place to work and live,” he said.
He added: “Because we are lagging behind in development, we have put measures in place to tackle education, job creation, better healthcare, sanitation, agriculture, housing, and tourism”.
Mr Asumadu observed development can only thrive when there is peace and unity among the traditional leaders.
He said the group will leave no stone unturned in the quest to bring peace, unity, transparency, and protection of rights and properties of Kumawuman.
The community currently has two people claiming to be the rightful paramount chiefs.
By Ibrahim Abubakar|3news.com|Ghana