Gwira Traditional Council demands social amenities and better opportunities from gov't

The chiefs and people of Gwira Traditional Area in the Nzema East Municipality are facing serious challenges. They say the lack of social amenities is hindering development and affecting residents' wellbeing.

The traditional rulers identify poor road conditions as their biggest issue. This problem disrupts both social and economic activities in the area.

During a meeting with Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson, Paramount Chief Awulae Angama Tu-agyan presented these concerns. He emphasized that poor roads are the most pressing issue for his administration. "All commercial activities, including farming, suffer due to our bad road network," he stated.

Awulae Angama Tu-agyan spoke on behalf of the Gwira Traditional Council last Friday. He noted that complaints from residents highlight the terrible state of roads across all communities.

He lamented, "There is not a single bridge in the area." The only colonial bridge has collapsed, leaving them feeling neglected by past governments.

This colonial bridge was built in 1958 and has been unstable for years. The chief has tried to contact highway authorities for its replacement but has seen no progress.

He recalled meeting then-candidate John Dramani Mahama during the 2024 campaign to discuss road issues.

In addition to poor roads, Awulae Angama Tu-agyan mentioned inadequate telecommunications affecting education. "Without good network access, mobile phones are useless," he explained. Teachers often leave their posts due to these challenges.

He praised President Mahama's previous contributions to education in Gwira, including establishing a Senior High School. The chief urged Mahama to provide boarding facilities for this school to improve its performance.

"Last year, our school ranked fourth," he said, emphasizing that better facilities could enhance results further.

To address teacher retention issues, local leaders have worked with stakeholders to post national service personnel in communities. These personnel are encouraged to stay despite ongoing challenges.

Most communities now have electricity access through national grid connections. However, security remains a concern due to insufficient police presence.

"Only Domenase has a police station," Awulae Angama Tu-agyan pointed out. He called for more police posts in Banso, Kutukrom, Tabakrom, and other areas.

Additionally, he requested a fire service station to help prevent fire outbreaks in the region.

The chief appealed for job creation initiatives from the government to combat youth unemployment and related issues like drug abuse.

"We feel helpless as many youths turn to drugs due to lack of opportunities," he remarked.

In healthcare matters, he noted that Nzema East relies heavily on Axim Government Hospital for services. Bamiankor has an under-equipped health center while other communities lack any healthcare facilities at all.

Awulae Angama Tu-agyan expressed hope that the Minister would visit Gwira soon to assess their situation firsthand.

"We want you here because we face many difficulties," he said urgently. He also requested an opportunity for them to meet with President Mahama directly about their concerns.