The Paramount Chief of Tepa, Nana Adusei Atwenewah Ampem I, has appealed to government to prioritise the completion of abandoned development projects in the Tepa area, particularly those that have the potential to create jobs and improve livelihoods.
The chief made the call during a working visit by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, where he highlighted key stalled projects, including the jewellery training school started under the John Mahama administration but left incomplete by the succeeding New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
According to Nana Adusei Atwenewah Ampem I, the facility was fully equipped with imported machinery and was on the verge of admitting its first batch of trainees before the change of government. However, he lamented that most of the equipment was removed, leaving the project abandoned.
“During the first tenure of President John Dramani Mahama, he had a soft spot for us here in Tepa. He ensured that most of our demands were met and went ahead to establish a jewellery school here.
Every piece of machinery needed was imported, and it was only left to start training students. Unfortunately, when the new government came, the machines were taken away. Now that he is back, we appeal that the project be completed,” he said.
The paramount chief stressed that completing the project would not only honour past commitments but also provide practical skills training in jewellery production, a sector with untapped potential to create sustainable jobs and stimulate local economic growth.
In addition to the jewellery school, Nana Adusei Atwenewah Ampem I urged authorities to fast-track the operationalisation of a training college built by the Tepa Traditional Council. The facility, according to him, has already been completed and accredited but remains uncommissioned, preventing it from admitting students.
“When it comes to our training school, we in Tepa started it from scratch. We even completed the accreditation work ourselves without government support.
What remains is the formal recognition of the institution, whether as a training college or a university, so prospective students can identify it when purchasing admission forms. We plead that this process be expedited,” he added.
The chief further noted that education and vocational training remain central to the community’s long-term development aspirations, and appealed for greater collaboration between government and traditional authorities in delivering projects that directly benefit the people.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, assured the chief and people of Tepa that their concerns would be relayed to the appropriate ministries and agencies for urgent consideration.
The visit forms part of the Minister’s regional working tour aimed at engaging local stakeholders, assessing stalled projects, and exploring solutions to accelerate development in the Ashanti Region.
