The Coalition of Religious Bodies under the auspices of the municipal council of Churches in Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo has been formed to mediate the impasse between the Electricity Company of Ghana, ECG, and Krobo residents.
The mediation committee was formed by religious organizations in the two municipalities after noticing division among the traditional and political leadership in Kroboland on the matter
Members of the Coalition of Religious Bodies mediation committee are Apostle Samuel Gakpetor, Agormanya Area Head of The Church of Pentecost (Chairman), Chairman of Dangme-Tongu Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Abraham Okai is Secretary)m to the committee. Other members are Rev. Dr. Stephen Ohipeni Narh, Rev. Father Moses Huadji, Rev. Stephen Narteh, Rev. Joshua Akanyork, and Alhaji Innusah (Chief Imam).
The terms of reference for the mediation committee are to among other things work as neutral arbiters, ensure compromises to facilitate resolution processes taking into consideration the interest of the nation and Kroboland, and ensure peace and tranquility in the municipality.
At a prayer meeting attended by Church leaders in the two municipalities Sunday evening of August 28, 2022 at Zimmermann Presbyterian Church, the chairman of the mediation committee Apostle Samuel Gakpetor briefed the church leaders on the work done so far by the committee after being constituted on August 7, 2022.
According to him, the committee has met all Ministers of the gospel in the two municipalities to unite the Pastorate front to support the committee.
Additionally, the committee met the Paramount Chief of Manya Krobo Nene Sakite II, and all Divisional chiefs. Engaged Political leaders (MCEs and Regional Ministers), met individual community leaders and various groups and visited the victims of recent military brutality.
The mediation committee is expected to meet the management of ECG, military high Command, and National Security, and possibly hold durbar in Nuaso and Kpongunor communities.
Rev. Abraham Okai, Secretary to the committee added his voice to calls for the withdrawal of the armed military personnel to de-escalate the tension in the community to facilitate mediation for peace to be restored on Kroboland.
The impasse between ECG and Krobo residents has existed for many years and led to deadly clashes.
In a recently renewed feud, ECG cut power supply to the Yilo and Manya Krobo area on July 27, 2022, after residents resisted prepaid meter installation and allegedly tampered with transformers.
However, power was restored on August 19, 2022, with the exclusion of the Nuaso community. The military invaded the community brutalized and shot some residents over alleged provocative attacks.
Source: Kasapafmonline.com/Kojo Ansah