A groundbreaking ceremony has been held to construct an ultra-modern chief’s palace for the people of Akim Juaso in the Eastern Region.

The project which is a self-help initiative is estimated at a cost of GH¢600,000.

The people of Akim Juaso received the news with joy as they gathered to witness the historic groundbreaking ceremony in the presence of the Chiefs and Elders and leaders of the Fanteakwa South District including the Member of Parliament, Okyere Agyekum, Chief of Akim Dwenease and chairman for the occasion, Barima Gyekye Osei.

Welcoming guests, Gyaasehene of Akim Juaso, Nana George Kwasi Baning, said the construction of the ultra-modern palace has been a heart desire of the Akim Juaso Chief, Barima Kofi Osei.

He intimated that since the enstoolment of Barima Kofi Osei in 1942, he has been operating from his family house which has affected his administration the reason “Juasoman came together to realize this dream and bring relief to the Chief and people of the village.”

Nana Baning commended the Tufuhene of Akim Juaso, Nana Nyantakyi Akosomo and his entire family members for making land available for the construction of the project.

He urged the people of Akim Juaso to come together and bring their widow's mite to support the project.

Invited Guest, and Managing Director of Kibi Goldfields Ltd., Kofi Agyemang, a mining company located within the Akim Juaso community, revealed that as part of the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibilities initiative it has targeted the eight communities around its concession to give support.

“I’m happy to say that the people of Akim Juaso were the first to come with a Chief’s Palace request so we’ll do our best to support them” he assured.

Mr Agyemang seized the opportunity to advise the people to send their children to school revealing that as a responsible mining company it will be prudent to employ and engage the services of well-educated individuals located within its concession for professional work rather than engaging unskilled labour which does not pay well.

MP for Fanteakwa South District Okyere Agyekum, hailed the people of Akim Juaso and the Planning Committee for the project, emphasising that any town without a proper Chief’s palace does not have honour.

He urged the people in the village to rally support behind the project.

Speaking in an interview with the media, Akim Juaso Youth Chairman, Estevez Boateng who doubles as the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Project admitted the huge challenge ahead in ensuring funds are mobilized to complete the project.

He, therefore, urged inhabitants of the village and all stakeholders including mining companies and businesses around to come forth with their support for the full realization of the project.

The event also witnessed the official opening of the Akim Juaso Community Centre, a project which was spearheaded by the Assemblyman, Sony Hans, and his Unit Committee Members to bring togetherness to the people for peaceful coexistence.