Hon. Eric Opoku Presents GH¢300,000 in Cash to Sankore Traditional Council as Compensation for College of Agriculture and Technology Land

Hon. Eric Opoku Presents GH¢300,000 in Cash to Sankore Traditional Council as Compensation for College of Agriculture and Technology Land

The Minister for Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for the Asunafo South Constituency, , has presented GH¢300,000 in cash to the Sankore Traditional Council as compensation for landowners and traditional authorities who released their lands for the construction of the proposed College of Agriculture and Technology at Sankore.

The presentation, witnessed by traditional leaders, landowners, opinion leaders, government officials, and residents, fulfilled a commitment Hon. Eric Opoku made to compensate those who willingly gave up their lands to pave the way for the establishment of the institution.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Eric Opoku expressed his appreciation to the traditional authorities and landowners for their cooperation and sacrifice, describing their decision as a major contribution to the future development of Asunafo South and Ghana.

According to him, the proposed College of Agriculture and Technology will become a centre of excellence for higher education, agricultural research, innovation, and practical skills training. He said the institution is expected to produce graduates equipped with modern agricultural knowledge and technology to support Ghana's agricultural transformation and food security agenda.

The Minister noted that the establishment of the college would not only benefit the people of Asunafo South but also attract students from across the country, creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth in Sankore and its surrounding communities.

"This institution is a long-term investment in the future of our people. It will provide quality tertiary education, create jobs, promote agricultural innovation, and contribute to national development. I sincerely appreciate the chiefs and landowners for supporting this important project by releasing their lands, and I am pleased to fulfil my promise by presenting this compensation," Hon. Eric Opoku stated.

He further assured residents that he would continue working to attract more development projects to the constituency, particularly in the areas of education, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Receiving the GH¢300,000 in cash on behalf of the Sankore Traditional Council and the affected landowners, the Paramount Chief of Sankore, Okogyedom Appiah Kubi Paabo Katakye IV, accompanied by the Chief Linguist, expressed profound appreciation to Hon. Eric Opoku for honouring his promise.

The Paramount Chief described the Minister as a leader who fulfils his commitments, adding that the establishment of the College of Agriculture and Technology would bring quality tertiary education closer to the people of Sankore and neighbouring communities.

He said the institution would open doors for thousands of young people who aspire to pursue higher education without travelling long distances, while also boosting local businesses, increasing economic activity, and creating employment opportunities.

According to the Chief, any leader who places education at the centre of development deserves the support of the people.

"The politics we practise should be about development, and that is exactly what Hon. Eric Opoku is doing. Bringing a College of Agriculture and Technology to Sankore is one of the greatest educational investments our community has witnessed. Future generations will benefit from this vision," he said.

The Paramount Chief also addressed concerns that had been circulating within the community regarding compensation for the acquired lands.

He explained that after landowners agreed with the Traditional Council to release their lands for the project, some members of the public mistakenly believed that the compensation had already been paid and shared among the chiefs.

He said the public presentation of the GH¢300,000 in cash had finally put those rumours to rest and demonstrated that the Traditional Council had acted transparently throughout the process.

"For some time, some landowners accused me and my chiefs of receiving and keeping the compensation. Today, everyone has witnessed the presentation of the money. I am relieved because the truth has come out, and people now know that neither I nor my traditional leaders misused the compensation. Tonight, I will sleep peacefully," the Paramount Chief remarked.

The affected landowners also welcomed the presentation and expressed appreciation that the compensation process had been carried out openly before the community.

Residents who attended the ceremony praised the initiative, describing the proposed College of Agriculture and Technology as a transformative project that will elevate Sankore's status as an educational and agricultural hub.

Many expressed confidence that once completed, the institution would increase educational opportunities, promote research and innovation in agriculture, attract investment, create jobs, and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of Asunafo South and Ghana as a whole.

The presentation of the GH¢300,000 in cash represents another milestone in the realization of the College of Agriculture and Technology project and underscores Hon. Eric Opoku's commitment to delivering development that directly benefits the people of Asunafo South.

Source:Bibianinews.com