Awulae Kwasi Amakyi III, Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Area, has stated that Jomoro would not engage in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, but would rather revive the coconut industry to improve the livelihoods of its people.
He said the coconut industry had been the economic backbone of the area and supported the education of many people who now occupy prominent positions both within and outside the country.
Awulae Amakyi III made the remarks at the Jomoro Development Conference held at Half-Assini in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region.
The conference formed part of activities marking the first anniversary of his enstoolment as successor to Awulae Annor Adjaye III and was held on the theme: “Recollect, Reflect and Refocus.”
The event focused on the history of Nzemaland, harnessing natural resource endowments for the development of the area, its people and heritage, and the Petroleum Hub Development Project as an economic game-changer for the municipality.
Awulae Amakyi III, who is also President of the Western Nzema Traditional Council, said Jomoro needed coconut processing factories to add value to coconut production.
He noted that the once-thriving coconut industry was a major source of employment and livelihoods for the people of Nzema.
Mr Stephen Blay, Convener of the conference, said the event would bring together indigenes of Jomoro with the requisite experience, knowledge and technical expertise to contribute to the area’s development agenda.
He said Jomoro was endowed with abundant natural and human resources that needed to be harnessed to accelerate its development.
Mr Blay said the Petroleum Hub Development Project remained high on Jomoro’s development agenda and would be fully operational when the Government paid compensation to affected farmers and landowners.
By P. K. Yankey