The Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area, Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II, has made a heartfelt appeal to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to establish a Cocoa Processing Industry in the Sefwi Wiawso as part of the One-District, One-Factory initiative.
His plea came during a grand durbar that marked the culmination of the MTN 2023 Eluo Festival (Yam Festival) in Sefwi Wiawso.
The theme of the festival, “Ensuring Pro-Active Socio-Economic Development in Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area, The Role of Traditional Leaders,” served as a backdrop for Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II’s call to action.
In his address, Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II, a member of the Western North Region’s House of Chiefs and Council of State, praised President Akufo-Addo for establishing the Western North Region.
He highlighted that the inception of the new region had initiated numerous extensive projects, some of which have been finished while others are currently under construction.
Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II emphasized the historical significance of the request, explaining that the desire for a Cocoa Processing Industry in the region had been a longstanding dream, predating President Akufo-Addo’s assumption of office.
His Royal Majesty highlighted that the idea of a Cocoa Processing Industry in Sefwi Wiawso had received support from influential leaders in the country, including Asantehene Otumfour Osei Tutu II.
He went on to express optimism that the President’s efforts, even as his term in office draws to a close next year, could set the stage for future administrations to continue the pursuit of this vision.
Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II underscored the potential benefits of such an establishment, noting that it would not only create employment opportunities but also help deter youth involvement in illegal activities.
His Royal Majesty firmly believed that the factory’s presence could play a pivotal role in addressing the rising unemployment rates in the Western North region.
“We, the Chiefs of Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area, are still looking forward to this dream becoming a reality,” Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II stated.
On his part, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo pledged the chiefs and inhabitants of the Western North Region that further infrastructure advancements would be delivered before the end of his tenure of office.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the government’s dedication to fairly allocating resources for the comprehensive progress of the nation, regardless of whether individuals supported his candidacy or not.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted that the establishment of the Western North Region would significantly encourage extensive infrastructural growth, drawing in potential investors to the area.
He noted that significant projects for the region include the construction of regional administrative facilities, road networks, healthcare facilities, educational structures, and the generation of employment opportunities.
The Eluo festival showcased the area’s vibrant culture with captivating drumming and dancing performances.
The event was graced by the presence of government officials, including Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Western North Regional Minister, Joojo Rocky Obeng, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Member of Parliament for Sefwi Wiawso Constituency, and Mr. Alex Tetteh, Member of Parliament for Sefwi Akontombra Constituency.
In attendance at the festival were various traditional leaders, including Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II, the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, who also serves as the President of the National House of Chiefs; and Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, the Paramount Chief of Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area.
Others include the Paramount Chief of Dormaa Traditional Area and President of the Bono Regional House, Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyeman Badu II; Okogyeman Kwaku Gyeaprah III, the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Chirano Traditional Area; Oyeadeeyie Basape Kojo Armah III, the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area, and many others.
