“Some Chiefs Are Buying Cars Instead Of Developing Communities”
Renowned academic Dr. Eric Bimpong, a lecturer at KAAF University College, has raised concerns about some chiefs diverting their focus from community development to personal wealth accumulation.
“It is time chiefs are made accountable to the people. Now when someone becomes a chief, you see cars while their palaces are collapsing. They just buy cars. It is time; they are made accountable to us,” remarked Dr. Bimpong in a panel discussion on Opemsuo Radio’s Nkwantannanso with Kofi Boakye.
Expressing dissatisfaction with chiefs collaborating with politicians to the detriment of community progress, Dr. Bimpong urged chiefs to rise above such affiliations and prioritize the well-being of their constituents.
“Chiefs should arise. Some chiefs are working with politicians and not helping Ghanaians.”
In addition, he criticized chiefs for their role in galamsey within their communities, attributing the issue to their failure to assert authority effectively. He called on chiefs to emulate the Mamponghene, who prioritized community development and successfully prevented mining activities in the area.
In 2022, the Minerals Commission withdrew a mining application from Active Target Natural Resources Limited in the Mampong traditional area. The decision to halt mining operations in the region was spearheaded by the Mampong Chiefs, demonstrating the impact chiefs can have on preserving community interests.
“The application in respect of Active Target Natural Resources Limited has been withdrawn,” the letter to the Municipal Chief Executive of Mampong stated on November 24, 2022.
Story by Adwoa S. Danso
