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

Nana Kow Arkoh Ansah V, the Chief of Gomoa Wassah, urged residents, traditional leaders, government officials, and development partners to join forces and help hasten progress in the community. Speaking at the 2026 Gomoa Wassah Ahorbakese/Akwanbo Festival, held on October 17th with the theme "Unity, Peace and Development – Together We Develop Gomoa Wassah," the chief emphasized that lasting improvement could only be achieved if everyone worked together in harmony and shared a commitment to enhancing the well-being of the people.

The festival showcased the inauguration of a newly built modern Oman Palace, the Gyaasehene and Nyimɛdzee Kesehene Palace, and an ultra-modern Community Centre. These structures mark significant milestones in the community's growth, serving as hubs for traditional governance, conflict resolution, cultural events, community interactions, and youth development. The chief urged residents to take ownership of these facilities to ensure they remain functional for generations.

Nana Kow Arkoh Ansah V expressed his gratitude to Rev. Dr. Francis Essel-Okyeahene, the Nyimɛdzee Kesehene of Gomoa Assin and Gyaasehene of Gomoa Wassah, known as Onua Francis, for his vital role in the community's development. His contributions, including supporting the construction of palaces, Community Centre, public toilet, and CHPS compound, serve as an exemplar of responsible leadership. The chief stressed that effective leadership is evident through its positive influence on people's lives.

Education and youth development are top priorities for the chief. He reported that efforts are underway to renovate the community school and provide pupils with essential learning resources. Additionally, plans are in place to provide teachers' accommodations to attract and retain quality educators, while calling for assistance in establishing a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution to equip young people with practical skills that will enhance their livelihoods.

Areas where youth can gain valuable skills were identified as agriculture, construction, information technology, and electrical installation. The chief called on government bodies, the Member of Parliament, the District Assembly, businesses, and citizens both locally and abroad to support these initiatives. He also encouraged young people to prioritize education, entrepreneurship, and skill-building, emphasizing that they should actively participate in decisions affecting their community's future.

Concerning healthcare and sanitation, the chief stressed the traditional council's continued commitment to supporting the CHPS compound, promoting preventive healthcare, and improving sanitation. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the public toilet and fostering a clean, healthy environment for residents. The chief also called for concerted efforts to boost the economic well-being of farmers, traders, artisans, and small business owners through collective efforts and partnerships.

Nana Kow Arkoh Ansah V reminded residents that political, religious, and personal differences should not overshadow the shared interest of Gomoa Wassah. He urged dialogue, mutual respect, and reconciliation, emphasizing that peace and unity are essential for sustainable progress. The Ahorbakese/Akwanbo Festival was described as an important occasion to preserve the community's cultural heritage, honor its ancestors, strengthen family ties, and promote local economic activities.

The chief urged Gomoa Wassah residents living outside the community to contribute their expertise, resources, and networks towards the community's development. He stressed that the inauguration of the new palaces and Community Centre should be seen as a renewed call to action rather than the end of the community's development journey.

He concluded by urging traditional leaders, government institutions, development partners, and residents to collaborate in building a peaceful, united, healthy, educated, and economically thriving Gomoa Wassah.