The President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, has questioned the logic behind investing in the Boankra Inland Port without first revamping the Western Rail Line.
He said what has been done amounts to misguided priority.
Addressing stakeholders at the Western Regional Development Retreat in Takoradi, Nana Kobina Nketsia fumed over the failed promises made by previous governments in developing the rail sector.
“We were promised railway development using oil revenues, but a decade later, nothing has materialized. Our city is dying despite having a port. Meanwhile, we’re building a railway to Boankra – who initiated this project and why? If we need an inland port, why not utilize the Volta Lake? It seems outsiders are planning Ghana’s future using our own resources, while we remain silent,” he bemoaned.
Meanwhile, Western Region Minister Joseph Nelson warns that the dilapidated Western rail lines and challenges in developing rail infrastructure threaten not only the region’s transportation network but also hinder community development and deprive residents of livelihoods.
“I envision a revamped railways sector, working with you, Nananom, to transport bulk goods like bauxite, timber, cocoa, and manganese.
This would not only boost the economy but also create jobs and enhance food security in communities along the rail lines, facilitating the transportation of foodstuffs to Sekondi-Takoradi,” he stated.
The Minister continued with an appeal to traditional authorities in the region to prioritize conflict resolution on pending chieftaincy conflicts, adding that the development of the region and the country depends on peace.
“Nana President, I urge you and fellow chiefs to prioritize peace, as development thrives in its presence. I’m concerned about the numerous chieftaincy disputes in our region and plead with you to utilize the judicial committees of traditional councils and the Chieftaincy Act to resolve these conflicts.
Disputes are inevitable, but it’s crucial how we resolve them. Court processes are costly and time-consuming, distracting from development efforts. I plan to engage with the Supervising High Court Judge on improving justice delivery.
With your leadership and state support, I envision a region free from chieftaincy disputes, where we can focus on revamping industries, promoting sustainable mining, securing more resources, creating jobs, and preserving our cultural heritage.” He added.
The Western Regional Development Retreat is led by the Western Regional Minister and Coordinating Council, and with the participation of members of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Departmental heads, and District Coordinators across the various assemblies.
The retreat is a high-level convening facilitating dialogues on solutions that will address the numerous developmental challenges facing the Western Region.
