Sale Of Krobo mountain: Traditional council sets record straight

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The Manya Krobo Traditional Council has dismissed rumours that the Konor of the area, Nene Sakite II has sold to a private investor the historic Krobo mountain near Okwenya junction (Akuse) in the Eastern Region.

NENE SAKITE II, KONOR (1)

Below is the full statement from the Traditional Council:

Recent media articles (Daily Graphic of July 10, 2014 and the Enquirer of November 10,
2014) have depicted Manya Krobo Traditional Area as being in chaos and turmoil with much dissension and instability. Manya Krobo continues to be stable and thriving with strong and collaborative leadership by its Traditional Council.

Numerous developments are underway, especially in the areas of infrastructure, health, education and economic activities. Accusations of turmoil with respect to various issues are simply inaccurate and false. We wish to address of them.

KROBO MOUNTAINS

? The Krobo Mountains are a sacred, respected and highly valued historical site for all Krobos.At no time were there any negotiations or discussions about selling the Krobo Mountains to any entity as has been widely rumoured and carried in carried by the media. There have been no secret deals, financial arrangements, procurement or receipt of funds of any kind whatsoever with respect to this matter by the Traditional Council or Nene Sakite II, Konor of Manya Krobo.

? Mis-information and rumours being manufactured by some people contributed to the seeming atmosphere of anger and distrust related to the cleaning up of the site. There has never been any contractual arrangement to excavate, to sell or to remove any historical items from the Krobo Mountain. This is a complete falsehood. Any indigenous Krobo is aware that you cannot bring home any item found in the mountain; it is a taboo. We continue to commit ourselves to preserving and protecting this important Krobo historic sites.

? Manya Krobo Traditional Council had full and robust discussions regarding the issue of cleaning and upgrading the mountain site for tourism and recreational purposes. At the end there, was agreement, consensus and support to move forward with the decision.

THE KROBO MOUNTAIN

? The Krobo Mountains cannot and will never be sold. It is our ?family house?. One cannot sell your family house. However, appropriate opportunities to advance the economic and social development of Manya Krobo through diligent, honest and transparent economic development initiatives related to the Krobo Mountains will remain an important component of our economic development strategy.

? Nene Sakite II, Konor of Manya Krobo has committed to striking a representative cultural committee to oversee any engagement with sacred cultural or historical sites on Krobo land in the future. This committee will report to the Traditional Council before any decision is taken in any related area.The formation of this committee is consistent with the strong cultural institutional framework needed to protect and advance the cultural interests of the Manya Krobo State. It is the second in a series of restructuring activities which also includes the Manya Krobo Economic Revitalization Committee.

CHIEFTAINCY ISSUES

? Chieftaincy matters are sometimes complex and often involve historical considerations, legal, jurisdictional and cultural obligations as well as important interpersonal relations. Inevitably, disagreements occur from time to time and this is normal in a complex process which often has competing interests and sometimes difficult decisions making. These decisions sometimes include discipline, redress, accountability and commitment to the stool.

? The Konor of Manya Krobo in his own right, his Divisional Chiefs and members of the Traditional Council reserve the right to make appropriate decisions on behalf of the people of Manya Krobo.

? Additionally it is the prerogative of the Konor of Manya Krobo to install Chiefs (under the advice of his Council) in areas of Manya Krobo that do not fall under any particular Division. The Okomo (State Priest/ Djemeno) reports directly to the Paramountcy and is directly accountable to the Konor.

? It is therefore the considered view of the Traditional Council that the Akwenor Division has no basis for boycotting the Durbar of Chiefs and people of Manya Krobo of the recent Ngmayem Festival. Also, contrary to allegations and implications in the recent Enquirer article, the Suisi Division was well represented in overwhelming numbers at the Grand Durbar at Ngmayem Festival. Attendance at a non-denominational church service is entirely optional.

? Nene Sakite II, in his speech to the gathering at Ngmayem, expressed outrage at the various rumours and insinuations being expressed about the Krobo Mountains and allegations with respect to his role. At no time did he use insulting language against any specific individuals, Chiefs or Divisions of Manya Krobo. His speech is in the public domain and a copy is also available for review.

? Many Krobo Traditional Council continues its vigilance and its commitment to strong and democratic practices of planning and decision making in the best interests of the State.

? The Manya Krobo Traditional Council remains united and continues to be committed to providing strong leadership through good governance, transparency, accountability and collaboration. Our commitment is strong and second to none.

FINALLY
? We encourage the media in its reporting to be balanced, fair and objective. We encourage them to promote responsibility, thoroughness and exceptional journalistic ethics, especially when the issues at hand are complex and many-sided and where rumours and insufficient information can contribute to perceptions that might not be accurate.

? We invite members of the media to visit our various institutions and to talk to a wide variety of Krobos to get a full, accurate and balanced picture of Krobo life.

? We continue to work had to promote Manya Krobo as an exciting and positive place to live, work and thrive.

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