Suma-Ahenkro Gets University Campus

Odeneho Dr Affram Brempong

Sunyani, March 18, 2015 -THE CHIEFS and people of the Suma Traditional Area in the Jaman North District of the Brong-Ahafo Region are to construct a satellite campus of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) at Suma-Ahenkro.

The huge self-help project to be constructed through the resources of the people is expected to begin this month and end in August, where the first batch of students would be admitted on the campus by September 2015.

This was announced by Odeneho Dr Affram Brempong III, Paramount Chief of the Suma Traditional Area, during a press conference in Sunyani on Friday, March 13, to formally announce the celebration of the first Suma Akwantu Kese Festival.

The week-long festival under the theme: “Suma, United For Peace and Development,” would be held from March 23-29 mixed with rich cultural display.

Nana Dr Affram Brempong disclosed that the sod-cutting of the university project would be done during the festival.

He explained that one-mile square land has been offered for the project and plans are afoot to construct four lecture theatres, administration block with offices, computer laboratory and library to kick-start the university in September.

According to him, the traditional area is not relying on government for the project as they are poised to use the funds that will be realised from the festival and with the support of the Suma residents abroad to commence the project.

The Suma Omanhene also disclosed that the area is expected to benefit from a lime juice processing factory to be sited at Suma-Ahenkro where about 2,000 unskilled labours would be engaged in the initial stages.

Franked by his Queen mother, Nana Akwama Toprefo Odiakotene II, and other traditional leaders, Nana Dr Affram Brempong explained that the traditional council initiated the Suma Akwantu Kese festival to be celebrated alongside the Munifie Yam Festival to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people.

He pointed out that the Suma Akwantu Kese Festival will be rotated from community to another every year where the funds raised would be retained in the town and used to develop that particular community.

Explaining the basis of the new festival, the chief said the Suma people migrated from Akwamu in the Eastern Region to the present location somewhere in the 16th century.

He said the journey took them over 100 years where many lost their lives along the way before they finally settled in their present location.

The traditional leader, therefore, appealed to the people of the area to unite and support his efforts in promoting the development of the traditional area.

Source: Fred Tettey Alarti-Amoako