The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has called on chiefs and people across the Okyeman Traditional Area to remain united, stressing that unity is the foundation for sustainable development and progress.
Speaking during the grand durbar of the 2026 Ohum Festival held in Kyebi, the Okyenhene emphasized that disunity undermines community growth and delays development initiatives. He urged all traditional leaders to put aside their differences and work together in the collective interest of Okyeman.
According to him, meaningful development can only be achieved when there is peace, cooperation, and a shared commitment among chiefs and the people.
He noted that traditional authorities have a crucial role to play in championing development, although their constitutional mandate is limited to advising government and lobbying for projects that will benefit their communities.
The Okyenhene explained that while chiefs cannot directly execute government projects, they can use their influence to advocate for development and create an enabling environment for investment and progress.
Representing the President, Julius Debrah commended the Okyenhene for his visionary leadership and commitment to the socio-economic advancement of the traditional area.
He announced that the government is prepared to support the establishment of a large-scale oil palm plantation in Okyeman as part of efforts to boost agriculture, create employment opportunities, and improve livelihoods. He, however, appealed to the Okyenhene to make suitable land available for the initiative.
Hon. Debrah further disclosed that once the plantation project takes off, the government is ready to facilitate the construction of an oil palm processing factory in the traditional area. He said the factory would add value to the produce, stimulate industrial growth, create jobs for the youth, and strengthen the local economy.
The announcements formed one of the key highlights of this year’s Ohum Festival grand durbar, with many attendees expressing optimism that the proposed agricultural and industrial projects would significantly contribute to the long-term economic transformation of Okyeman.