Ga Dangme Warns Gov�t

THE PEOPLE of Gadagme have warned government to return the community center in Accra to them or face their wrath. They said the center which was occupied by the state in the days of the revolution must be returned to them without delay. The center, the people noted was provided to enable the community meet, learn and interact socially but government has taken it without paying any ground rent to them. This was revealed at a press conference in Accra to congratulate Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, Member of Parliament for Kpone-Katamanso on his appointment as Greater Accra Regional Minister. It was organized by the Ga dangme Renaissance Union (GRU) in collaboration with concerned Gadangmebii, Mantsemei, Manyemei, Otsiamefio, Asafoatsemei, Asafoanyemei, Wulomei, Asafo groups, market women, fisher folk, students and the youth. Speaking at the press conference in Accra, the Head of Research and Planning, GRU, Rashid Yasin Ofei Dodoo said the group had gathered that President Mills had ordered that the center be released to them but some people in government are refusing to do so and are planning to place the center on tender for a private commercial car park. This he said is socially unfair and contrary to the interest and aspirations of the indigenes of Ga Mashie. Mr. Dodoo said: �We are warning those who are refusing to give back the community center to us to be careful because they will have themselves to blame if anything happens.� He said his people�s unflinching support and unshakable loyalty to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had not been recognized and therefore not been recompensed compared to other regions. �For how long should we exercise patience in the wilderness�,� he added. Mr. Dodoo urged the new Greater Accra regional minister to help solve the problems confronting the Gadangme people which include issues of regional territorial boundaries, protracted chieftaincy disputes, the release of Ga lands, ground rent on all government acquired land in the region, pouring of libation under Gadangme custom and restructuring of the Ga Traditional Council which he said was in disarray. The GRU leader also called on government to allow Gadangme traditionalists to pour libation during state functions. �Ghana by its constitution is a secular not theocratic state. Our people should be allowed to believe in the faith of their choice so far as they do not violate any law,� he said Mr. Ofei Dodoo said marginalizing and sidelining them will definitely not enhance the peaceful co-existence Ghanaians yearn for. Ghana is not for Christians only, neither is it for Muslims or traditionalists alone but for everyone in the country,� he noted.