The Chief of Sunyani, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahenkorkor II, has confirmed that traditional authorities have finalized a provisional agreement to lease land to a group of Chinese investors for the establishment of new industrial facilities in the area.

Speaking in an interview with Nana Poku Piesie, host of ‘Ka Masem Ma Me’, a social programme on Sompa FM in Sunyani Friday November 21, the Sunyani Tifi Hene and Awerempem Hene of Sunyani Tranditional Area, Nana Korang on behalf of the paramount chief disclosed that the Sunyani Traditional Council has “put clear measures in place” to ensure that the land is leased strictly for a period of 20 years.

“After the lease expires, all infrastructure and property developed on the land will automatically become the property of the people of Sunyani”, he added.

He emphasized that any future engagement with the investors after the 20-year term would require a fresh request to the traditional authorities.

“If after 20 years they want to continue working in the infrastructure they have built, they will have to come and request again for us to lend it to them,” he stated.

Nana Korang added that discussions are progressing steadily, with ongoing paperwork and municipal verification processes ensuring all legal and regulatory requirements are met.

He said that if these procedures are completed on time, the Chinese partners are expected to finish setting up the facilities within the next two to three months, paving the way for an official commissioning.

The Chief explained that the Traditional Council accepted the proposal primarily because of the employment opportunities the factories are expected to generate for residents.

“We accepted their request due to the fact that it will create job opportunities for the people of Sunyani. If not, we wouldn’t have permitted them to use the property of Sunyaniman,” he said.

He further revealed that traditional leaders are striving to secure at least four factories for Sunyaniman to help reduce unemployment in the township.

Additionally, Nana Korang noted that efforts would be made to ensure that construction materials for the factories are sourced from local businesses within Sunyani to boost the local economy.

Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan