Chiefs Warn MCE Over Comments on Relocated 24-Hour Market, Give One-Week Ultimatum

The Chief of Gyedu and Asaamanhen of the Mankessim Traditional Council, Nana Anyanful VI, has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Mfantseman, Hon. Eric Stanley Acquah, to publicly explain and justify remarks he made about the Gyedu community during the recent two-day National Sanitation Exercise.

Addressing a press conference in Gyedu attended by traditional rulers, opinion leaders, assembly members, political party executives, residents and members of the media, Nana Anyanful VI described the MCE’s comments as “unfortunate, irresponsible and deeply offensive,” warning that they have the potential to undermine the peace, dignity and development of the community.

According to the chief, Hon. Eric Stanley Acquah, popularly known as Mfantseman KK, stated during the sanitation exercise that the proposed 24-hour market, initially earmarked for Mankessim, had been relocated because market women opposed the project and that it had been moved “to the bush.” The MCE further claimed that the new project site had become flooded and challenged the public to visit the area to witness its condition.

“Development should never be undermined by inaction or neglect. This unfortunate situation could have been prevented,” he stated.

The chief also criticised another statement allegedly made by the MCE that if the Member of Parliament had organised the sanitation exercise, more residents would have participated.

He described the comment as divisive, saying it unnecessarily creates tension between government officials and party leadership instead of promoting unity and cooperation needed for the municipality’s development.

Nana Anyanful VI has therefore appealed to President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Dean of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), the National and Central Regional Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Central Regional Minister, the Mfantseman Member of Parliament, and other relevant authorities to investigate the matter and require the MCE to explain the basis of his remarks.

He subsequently gave Hon. Eric Stanley Acquah a one-week ultimatum to publicly explain his comments to the chiefs and people of Gyedu.

The chief warned that should the MCE fail to offer a satisfactory explanation or apology within the stipulated period, the people of Gyedu would pursue all lawful and democratic means to defend the dignity and reputation of their community.

Nana Anyanful VI further emphasised that Gyedu has consistently given overwhelming electoral support to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and has remained committed to the party’s success over the years.

“It is deeply painful that a community which has demonstrated unwavering support should become the subject of public ridicule by one of its own government appointees,” he said.

He concluded by reaffirming that the people of Gyedu remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to development, stressing that they seek no confrontation but only demand the dignity, respect and fairness their community deserves while continuing to support government initiatives that improve the lives of the people.