Drama unfolded at Elmina in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) District of the Central Region over the weekend when President John Dramani Mahama and other ministers of state including the Central Regional Minister, Mr. Aquinas Tawiah Quansah, who were invited to grace the annual Bakatue Festival, refused to attend the event.
Although none of them came to witness the historic festival, no reason was given for their absence, compelling many people to castigate the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government.
DAILY GUIDE observed that although most of the invited government officials refused to attend the festival, it was celebrated in style due to the peace and tranquility which has existed in the area after the settlement of chieftaincy issues.
The festival saw hundreds of people drawn from all walks of life participating as well as the massive involvement of the whole community members.
The festival was also used to mark the 16th anniversary celebration of the installation of the Omanhen of Edina Traditional Area Nana Kodwo Condua VI.
Addressing the crowd, the paramount chief of Edina Traditional Area, Nana Condua expressed concern about the way government had totally refused to give part of the proceeds from the Castle to the traditional council to undertake development projects.
�Since 2009, the traditional council has not received any money from the Museums and Monuments Board and these are the monies we use to support needy students who attend various institutions,� he said.
Nana Condua commended the government for the construction of the two main projects in the area, namely the refrigeration and ice-making components and the construction of the bridge linking the Castle and the main township.
He appealed to government to construct the fishing harbor the people were always crying for over the years, adding that Elmina plays a major role in the artisanal fishing industry in the country.
The paramount chief noted that plans were underway by the traditional council to continue to assist many brilliant but needy students in the area, adding that education was the bedrock of every nation�s development.
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