In a significant move towards fostering regional development and unity,on the 11th of April, the Council of State Member (Dr.Maxwell Boakye ) for the Western Region paid an official working visit to the Omanhene of the Shama Traditional Area and his Council at The Nana kwaw Fraiku Palace. The meeting served as both a formal expression of gratitude and a platform to discuss the urgent developmental needs of the Shama district.

Key Highlights from the Council of State Member

His Excellency opened the session by outlining the primary objectives of his visit, centered on three pillars.

• Gratitude and Recognition

He officially called on Osagyefo to express his sincere appreciation for the support received during and after his election. He noted that this formal visit was a necessary step in honoring the traditional leadership that anchors the region.

• A Call for Strategic Collaboration

Emphasizing that “unity is strength,” the Member appealed to the Omanhene and his council to partner with him. He stressed that the progress of the Western Region depends on a seamless synergy between traditional authorities and government representatives.

• Request for Spiritual Guidance

Recognizing the weight of leadership, he humbly requested the prayers of the Traditional Council for himself, Hon. Emelia Arthur, and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Shama, asking for wisdom to serve the people effectively. Also , He requested for unity and cooperation among Nananom and the politicians, MP, Minister and the DCE. And also urged Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV for Spiritual Guidance.

Osagyefo’s Response- Addressing Critical Gaps

While welcoming the call for collaboration, Osagyefo seized the opportunity to highlight several pressing challenges that require immediate government intervention to improve the lives of his people.

• Healthcare Infrastructure

The Osagyefo raised concerns regarding the Shama Government Clinic, noting a severe lack of essential tools and equipment. He urged the Council of State Member to liaise with the central government to ensure the facility is properly equipped to provide quality healthcare.

• Inadequate Ambulance Services

​Hampering the ability to respond to medical emergencies

• Accommodation Crisis

A distressing lack of housing for health personnel has led to situations where male and female staff share limited quarters—a situation the osagyefo described as highly inappropriate and a hindrance to professional morale.

• The Shama Fishing Harbour

In a passionate plea for the local economy, the Omanhene highlighted the decline of the fishing industry in Shama. Due to the absence of a dedicated fishing harbour, local canoe owners are forced to dock as far away as Sekondi, Axim, or even Côte d’Ivoire.​”The establishment of a fishing harbour is not just a request; it is a necessity to revive our coastline and bring jobs back to our youth,” the Osagyefo emphasized.

• Immediate Appointment of A District Judge to Tackle Legal Backlog in Shama

Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV also made a passionate plea to the Council of State to address the prolonged absence of a District Judge in the district.​During the engagement with member of the Council of State, Osagyefo highlighted how the vacancy is crippling the local judicial system and denying his people timely access to justice.

Moving Forward

The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to keep the channels of communication open. By bridging the gap between the Council of State and the Traditional Authorities, there is renewed hope that the challenges facing the Shama District will receive the national attention they deserve, paving the way for a more prosperous Western Region.

Shama, Ghana – The second edition of the Shama Municipal Youth Awards and Dinner Night has concluded on a high note, marked by a powerful call to action from the highest traditional authority in the land.

The event, which celebrated young changemakers in the municipality, was graced by the presence of Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV, the Paramount Chief of the Shama Traditional Area and President of the Shama Traditional Council.

Delivering his keynote address, the revered chief did not mince words about the role of the younger generation. He charged the youth to see themselves not as leaders of tomorrow, but as partners of today in the region’s development.“We must come together as one body—not as rivals, but as relatives—to promote the progress of Shama,” Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV stated. “Let us channel our energies into building businesses, protecting our environment, and raising the banner of Shama high. I also urge you to take part in clean politics. Do not allow your hands to be stained with violence or your minds with corruption. Politics must be a tool for service, not a weapon for destruction.”

The chief, known for his developmental strides in education and infrastructure, did not stop at advice. He threw his royal weight behind the organizers of the awards, praising them for their vision and execution.“You have done remarkably well to honor excellence among our youth. But you can do more, and I assure you that the Traditional Council will provide massive assistance for the next edition,” he promised, drawing loud applause from the audience.

In a dramatic and heartfelt turn of events, the youth present turned the tables on the chief. In recognition of his relentless impact on the Shama Traditional Area and his unwavering financial and moral support for the awards program, the organizers presented Osagyefo Kwaw Fraiku IV with a special citation and a plaque of honor.Receiving the award, the visibly moved chief dedicated it to the ancestors of Shama. “This is not for me alone,” he said. “It is proof that when a leader serves his people, the people will always serve back.”The night saw several young entrepreneurs, students, and community volunteers decorated with trophies for excellence in leadership, sports, and education.

As the dinner ended, stakeholders described the event as a turning point for youth engagement in the municipality, with many looking forward to the promised royal assistance in the next edition.