The Queenmother of Asuofua, Nana Barnia Ahenkan (Asuofuahemaa), has strongly condemned allegations from some residents of Barekese suggesting that the people of Asuofua paid bribes to secure the construction of the government’s proposed 24-hour economy market in their community.
Addressing members of the press on Wednesday, Nana Barnia Ahenkan described the claims as false, baseless and unfortunate, stressing that at no point did Asuofua or its leadership engage in any form of bribery to influence the siting of the project.
“On record, we have never paid any bribe to anybody for this market. The project was awarded on merit, following careful technical assessment and due process,” she stated emphatically.
The Asuofuahemaa explained that the decision to locate the 24-hour market in Asuofua was the outcome of objective considerations, including land availability, security, accessibility and the long-term sustainability of the project.
According to her, these factors clearly favoured Asuofua and were assessed by relevant technocrats, not by political or financial inducement.
She expressed disappointment that instead of fostering unity and supporting development within the district, some individuals had chosen to stoke division and spread unsubstantiated accusations.
“Development should not be a source of conflict among brothers and sisters. Asuofua also deserves development, just as Barekese and other communities do,” Nana Barnia Ahenkan added.
The Queenmother further called on residents of Barekese and the wider district to remain calm and exercise restraint, reminding them that government projects are meant to benefit the entire district and not a single community alone.
She emphasized that the 24-hour market, once completed, would create jobs, boost local commerce and enhance economic activity for surrounding towns, including Barekese.
“This market is not for Asuofua alone. It will serve traders, farmers and transport operators from all nearby communities. We must see it as a collective gain, not a competition,” she noted.
Nana Barnia Ahenkan also appealed to the media and opinion leaders to help educate the public with accurate information and discourage the spread of misinformation that could undermine peace and social cohesion.
Her address comes amid ongoing public debate following the District Chief Executive’s justification for siting the market at Asuofua, citing technical advice and strategic planning.
While some residents of Barekese have raised concerns over the decision, traditional authorities in Asuofua insist that the process was transparent and fair.
As tensions simmer, the Asuofuahemaa’s intervention is being seen as a call for dialogue, fairness and unity, as the district positions itself to benefit from the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative.
