Gomoa Wassah chief calls for unity and collective effort to accelerate community development

The Chief of Gomoa Wassah, Nana Kow Arkoh Ansah V, has called on residents, traditional authorities, government and development partners to unite and support efforts to accelerate development in the community.

He said lasting development could only be achieved through peace, unity and a shared commitment to improving the living conditions of the people.

Nana Kow Arkoh Ansah V made the call during the 2026 Gomoa Wassah Ahorbakese/Akwanbo Festival, held on Saturday, October 17, under the theme, “Unity, Peace and Development – Together We Develop Gomoa Wassah.”

The celebration also witnessed the inauguration of a newly constructed modern Oman Palace, the Gyaasehene and Nyimɛdzee Kesehene Palace, as well as an ultramodern Community Centre.

According to the chief, the facilities represent important milestones in the community’s development and will serve as centres for traditional administration, conflict resolution, cultural activities, community engagements and youth development.

He urged residents to take responsibility for maintaining the facilities and ensuring they serve their intended purposes for generations to come.

Commends Rev. Dr. Francis Essel-Okyeahene

The chief expressed profound appreciation to Rev. Dr. Nana Francis Essel-Okyeahene, the Nyimɛdzee Kesehene of Gomoa Assin and Gyaasehene of Gomoa Wassah, popularly known as Onua Francis, for his immense contribution to the development of the community.

He said the traditional leader’s support had contributed significantly to the construction of the palaces and Community Centre, provision of a public toilet and completion of the community’s Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound, including continued support for its management.

Nana Kow Arkoh Ansah V described his contributions as an example of responsible leadership, stressing that true leadership should be measured by its positive impact on people’s lives.

Education and Youth Development Remain Priorities

On education, the chief disclosed that efforts were underway to renovate the community’s school building and provide pupils with essential learning materials.

He also highlighted plans to provide teachers’ accommodation to attract and retain dedicated teachers, while calling for support towards establishing a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution to equip young people with employable skills.

He identified agriculture, construction, information technology and electrical installation among the areas where the youth could acquire practical skills to improve their livelihoods.

The chief appealed to the government, the Member of Parliament, the District Assembly, corporate organisations and citizens living both at home and abroad to support the initiatives.

He further encouraged young people to embrace education, entrepreneurship and skills development, emphasising that they must be actively involved in decisions concerning the future of the community.

Calls for Improved Healthcare and Sanitation

Touching on healthcare and sanitation, Nana Kow Arkoh Ansah V said the traditional council remained committed to supporting the CHPS compound, promoting preventive healthcare and improving sanitation in the community.

He stressed the need to maintain the public toilet and create a clean and healthy environment for residents.

He also called for deliberate efforts to improve the economic fortunes of farmers, traders, artisans and small business owners through collective initiatives and partnerships.

Urges Residents to Put Development Above Differences

The chief reminded residents that political, religious and personal differences should not undermine the collective interest of Gomoa Wassah.

He called for dialogue, mutual respect and reconciliation, noting that peace and unity were essential ingredients for sustainable development.

He also described the Ahorbakese/Akwanbo Festival as an important platform for preserving the community’s cultural heritage, honouring its ancestors, strengthening family bonds and promoting local economic activities.

Nana Kow Arkoh Ansah V urged sons and daughters of Gomoa Wassah living outside the community to contribute their expertise, resources and networks towards its development.

He stressed that the inauguration of the new palaces and Community Centre should serve as a renewed call to action rather than the end of the community’s development journey.

He concluded by urging traditional authorities, government institutions, development partners and residents to work together towards building a peaceful, united, healthy, educated and economically vibrant Gomoa Wassah.