The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has stated that the recent flooding in Accra must serve as a wake-up call to Ghanaians.
He said although there exists a genuine planning gap and inadequate disaster prevention measures, the attitude of people towards the environment remained a fundamental challenge in safeguarding it.
According to him, indiscriminate dumping of refuse in gutters, rivers and unauthorised places, as well as building on waterways and obstructing natural watercourses, continue to be major contributors to the country’s persistent flooding problem.
The Okyenhene made these remarks at the 2026 Kyebi Ohum Festival, held on Saturday at Kyebi, on the theme: ‘Rejuvenating our customs for sustainability and nature’s connection.’ He called on Ghanaians to change their attitude and reconnect with nature.
He explained that nature responds proportionately to human actions, stressing that if people treat nature well, it would, in turn, treat them well.
He further observed that Ghanaian customs frown on indiscriminate littering in towns, rivers and other water bodies.
He recalled that, in the past, it was even considered taboo for people to visit certain rivers on specific days or periods, but lamented that indiscipline had led to widespread environmental degradation.
He cautioned that such actions would inevitably provoke a response from nature and emphasised the need for a change in attitude.
Touching on social concerns, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin expressed worry over the increasing rate of drug and substance abuse in the country.
He called for the urgent enforcement of laws regulating the sale of alcohol and other substances.
He urged the Ghana Police Service and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to arrest and prosecute drinking bar operators and vendors who sell alcohol to persons under 18 years.
He noted that many young people were now mixing alcohol with various substances, adding that the abuse of tramadol and other drugs had worsened the situation.
He warned that such practices were contributing to criminal activities, including robbery and theft, and cautioned that failure to address the issue would jeopardise the future of the younger generation.
The Okyenhene therefore called for a national clampdown on the menace, stressing the need for strict adherence to laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol and cigarettes to minors.
On infrastructure, he urged Ghanaian contractors to prioritise public safety.
He referenced a viral video in which the Minister of Roads lamented that some contractors had taken large mobilisation funds from the government but had abandoned their projects.
He cited the Ofankor–Nsawam road as an example, describing it as a major burden on commuters.
He pointed out that frequent use of the road often resulted in damage to vehicles, imposing additional costs on users.
Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin also advised the government and its officials to refrain from interfering in chieftaincy matters, noting that such actions undermine the autonomy of the institution.
Commenting on the Etwereso issue, he maintained that Okyeman’s territorial integrity remained non-negotiable. He stressed that no part of its land would be ceded and reaffirmed that Okyeman had never been conquered and could not be conquered.
The Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, commended the Okyenhene for his bold leadership and assured him of the government’s support.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in agriculture and appealed to the Okyenhene to collaborate with traditional authorities to make land available for agricultural purposes.
Mr Debrah noted that the Akyem area was well-suited for oil palm cultivation and indicated the government’s interest in investing in plantations in Akyem Abuakwa to create jobs for the youth and boost production for both local consumption and export.
The 2026 Kyebi Ohum Festival was marked by colourful celebrations and brought together prominent political figures from both the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party, as well as other government officials.
BY TIMES REPORTER