The Chief of Akyem Muoso, Osabarima Dr. Owusu Beyeeman, has criticised the political approach used in fighting corruption in Ghana.
He says from the days of Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, through to the military days to the fourth republic, politicians have been playing with the conscience of Ghanaians in the fight against corruption.
“Corruption has become a difficult subject matter in Ghana, and many traditional leaders decline to comment on it due to the possible wrath of the political class. It is, however, imperative to deal with it decisively if we want to progress as a country.
“The era when a certain group of people are powerful and angels when they are in government and, in a matter of days, become thieves when they leave power must stop. This change of regime and its associated drama of a plethora of corruption-related exposés has become the norm, predating the inception of the fourth Republic,” Osabarima noted.
Speaking at the maiden Yensom Festival of the chiefs and people of Akyem Muoso, Osabarima Dr. Owusu Beyeeman mentioned that State anti-corruption agencies and other investigative bodies must work effectively regardless of whoever is involved in corruption.
Adding that, if a government official commits an offence while in government, the state institutions responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption-related matters must be seen to take action.
Touching on illegal mining, Osabarima Dr. Owusu Beyeeman indicated that, if the menace of illegal mining is not tackled fearlessly, Ghana may import water and food before we could survive as a country.
“Recently, I read in the newspapers that the CEO of the Environmental Protection Authority, with heavy military personnel and national security operatives, had to run for their lives on an official tour of some galamsey towns somewhere in the Ashanti Region. I believe the solution lies with the government, with all the powers of the state. A more radical and ruthless action is required to end this menace.
He says this gangsterism, if not stopped immediately, may end up as vigilantism and hurt this country.
“I vehemently disagree with the assertion of no jobs for the youth. I have said this several times, and I will repeat it. Financiers of galamsey must invest in equipment that would support and improve farming rather than illegal mining that harms the environment,” he said.
The Yensom festival is designed as a homecoming initiative aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and strategic development in Akyem Muoso.
Every year, citizens of Muoso, both at home and abroad, will gather and strategise on how to facilitate development, do introspection of the previous year, and plan for the ensuing year.
A 10-year development plan was launched for Muoso town, which seeks to identify the immediate needs of Muoso and provide a roadmap for development through local initiatives and self-help projects.
The Muoso History Book was also launched at the festival.
Osabarima Dr. Owusu Beyeeman indicated that the absence of a codified document detailing the history of the Muoso stool created a vacuum for people to make claims over the stool.
The distortion of history, misinformation, and deliberate adulteration of history for individual interests made it difficult for the traditional adjudicating bodies to make proper determinations on matters of the Muoso stool.
This book was written by the State Book after extensive research and consultations with Beyeeman.
The Muoso History Book seeks to provide accurate information, widen knowledge, and position Akyem Muoso in its rightful place within the Akyem Abuakwa State.
The book also serves as a primary resource for investors, academicians, researchers, and the judicial committees of the traditional council and the House of Chiefs.