Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, the La Shikitele (Kingmaker)
Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, the La Shikitele (Kingmaker) and supreme head of the Nmati Abonase Quarter has rebutted accusations levelled against him by Anokwarensro and Okropong of the Abese Quarter of La.
Speaking during a community press engagement in the Nmati Abonase Quarter on October 27, 2024, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV responded to various claims made by the two, calling their accusations “untruths” .
He said that Anokwarensro claimed that the La Traditional Council is required to file financial accounts with the Registrar General annually, which he said was not true. Nii Adjei Koofeh IV asserted that “they quoted the law and then explained it in different terms”.
He dismissed the accusation that he accepted 74 million Ghana cedis as compensation for the Trade Fair site, and also refuted Anokwarensro’s claim that the Council received 1million Ghana cedis as part payment of the Trade Fair compensation.
Responding to demands for accountability, he said that all those who have been involved in the management of the resources of La should be made to account for their stewardship. Nii Adjei Koofeh IV welcomed the call for accountability, but said it must be all-encompassing and fair. He said, “they shouldn’t pick and choose when it comes to accountability.”
Regarding claims by some people over scholarships from the University of Ghana, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV clarified that there is no scholarship arrangement with the University of Ghana and that their regime has rather been able to secure an admission concession arrangement with the University.
“Previously, they only assisted us with admissions. During our time, we have formalized this, and now we have an admission concession for La indigenes,” he stated, emphasising the achievements made under their leadership.
Concerning the Trade Fair compensation, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV gave word that negotiations are ongoing to secure a fair deal for La.
“We are pushing for something better… and not colluding with politicians to clandestinely collect the compensation and keep it to ourselves as some are alleging,” he remarked.
He went on to address allegations of illegal land sales by the Council, calling on the accusers to provide evidence.
He touched Council’s accomplishments, mentioning the renovation of the La Royal Palace, the well organized royal funeral for the Late La Mantse, and the construction of an Astroturf at the La Wireless School for the La Community, among others.
He appealed for honesty and adherence to due process and law, expressing disappointment over the level of misinformation and disinformation within the La community.
“We should do things that are in accordance with customary law and the statutes of the state,” he urged. “I don’t think misinforming people to incite them against us is the right way to go.. people should follow due process to address their concerns.”
AM/KA
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