By
Isaac Arkoh/Nana Oye Gyimah, GNA
Cape Coast, Jan. 28,
GNA – A group calling itself Association of Concerned Cape Coast Citizens and
Residents (ACCCCAR), has initiated steps towards facilitating quicker pace of development
within the Metropolis and beyond.
As part of the
initiative, the Association is seeking greater transparency, accountability and
probity from duty-bearers and mobilising available human resource to accelerate
progress.
Among other things,
the Group would collaborate with the traditional council and the Metropolitan
Assembly to support youth employment, counseling, tourism, organize seminars,
symposiums and scale-up public education on environmental cleanliness and attitudinal
change.
It is envisioned to
promote patriotism, social accountability, open-mindedness, integrity,
discipline, perseverance and passion.
Speaking at the
inauguration of ACCCCAR, Mr. George Justice Arthur, the General Secretary, said
the Association believed that the Metropolis has great opportunities that had
not been exploited fully over the decades, leading to the current deplorable
state of Ghana’s first capital.
“It is our firm
view that the declining situation in the Metropolis can be reversed if adequate
measures are taken to address them,” he said.
“We have prayed
for years for the yoke of underdevelopment and retrogression in the Cape Coast
Metropolis to be broken,” he added, and was poised to engage all aggrieved
people to settle their grievances.
Mr Arthur announced
that the Group was determined to resuscitate all the numerous historical
national monuments and assets that had been abandoned for years to uplift the
image of Cape Coast.
Key among such
structures are the Military Cemetery, First Court of West Africa, Fort William,
Fosu Lagoon, Children’s Park, London Bridge, among others.
Professor Jophus
Anamoah Mensah, an Advisory Board Member of ACCCCAR, described Cape Coast as a
“pale shadow” of itself and rallied the efforts of all to remedy the situation.
He said the past
narrative of Oguaaman had always been beautiful and pleasing because it was the
capital of Gold Coast, the centre of education and training for civilization,
but was sad that over the last decades the town had gradually lost its glory.
He eulogised several
leaders who through their selfless efforts made the Metropolis the favourite of
all, saying, “This is the time for the town to rise again and awake the
sleeping giants of our time”.
“The walls of
Oguaaman are broken, we have moved from a vibrant fishing industry to one that
does not support and promote sustainable livelihood for residents and citizens
– from being good custodians to mere spectators,” he added.
“Now, we see
high unemployment rate due to collapse of industries, disregard for
authorities, declining access to education and high poverty rate.”
The Professor urged
all to help rise and build a befitting town that they would want to see in
years to come by collectively correcting the wrongs and unite as one people to
“mend the cracks on the wall.”
On his part,
Osabarima Kwesi Arthur II, Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area, called on the
people to change their attitudes and renew their minds saying, “Such
negative attitudes had stalled the progress of the town.”
“Let’s change
our antagonist and divisive deeds, maligning, gossips and hatred and support
the authorities to bring development to the area.”
He pledged his
unflinching commitment and support for the Association and advised them to keep
the “fire, passion and energy” burning
to reach their aim.
GNA