Chiefs of the New Juaben Traditional Area have halted the construction of a telecommunication mast at the Koforidua-Kumasi Lorry Station, citing concerns over a lack of consultation and stakeholder engagement.
The chiefs, led by elders representing the Omanhene of New Juaben, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, visited the site on Friday and ordered workers to immediately stop construction.
According to the traditional authorities, the developers failed to consult the New Juaben Traditional Council or properly engage residents, traders and other stakeholders before commencing work on the mast.
The chiefs said residents and drivers at the station had raised concerns about the potential health, safety and environmental implications of erecting the structure in the middle of a densely populated transport and commercial hub.
Speaking to the media after halting the project, the chiefs stressed that they were not opposed to development or improved telecommunications services but insisted that the appropriate procedures must be followed.
“No one, not even a company, can just come into New Juaben land and erect a huge mast without informing Nananom.
The Daasebre is the custodian of the land. We have ordered the workers to stop work immediately until proper public education and consultations are done.”
The traditional authorities called on the Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben South and the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation to intervene and ensure that the telecom company and its contractors follow the required procedures.
They demanded that the company engage the Traditional Council, provide the relevant permits and environmental documentation, and educate residents on the safety implications of the project.
“We are calling on the MCE and the Communications Minister to order the company to do the right thing. Let them come to the Traditional Council, show us their permit, their EPA assessment, and educate the people. If it is safe, we will allow it. But we will not allow disrespect.”
Following the intervention by the chiefs, construction work was brought to a halt, with workers seen packing their tools and leaving the site.
Efforts to obtain comments from the telecom company and the contractor on the concerns raised by the Traditional Council were unsuccessful as of press time.
Meanwhile, some drivers, traders and residents at the station have welcomed the chiefs’ intervention, saying they have concerns about the safety of having a telecommunications mast close to their places of work and daily activities.
The New Juaben Traditional Council has indicated that it will convene a stakeholder meeting next week involving the Municipal Assembly, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Communications Authority (NCA), the telecom company and station leaders to discuss the project and determine the way forward.
