Koforidua, GNA - The Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC), has issued a white paper on the recommendations of the fact finding committee that enquired into the dispute over the rightful traditional authority over the limestone deposit at Odugblase in the Krobo area.
Reading the white paper to members of the Yilo and Manya Krobo Traditional Councils and the press in Koforidua on Monday, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Afram Asiedu said the RCC uphold the recommendation of the committee that no exclusive traditional authority could be established over Odugblase where Ghana Cement Works (GHACEM) is currently mining the limestone.
This was because the committee established that at one time or the other, both the Yilo and Manya Traditional Councils had exercised traditional authority over the Odugblase lands.
The white paper therefore, uphold the recommendation of the committee that, the two traditional authorities should exercise authority at Odugblase, with the Yilo Krobo Traditional Council controlling the Yilo in the area while the Manya Krobo Traditional Council also controls the Manya Krobo settlers in the area.
The white paper also accepted the recommendation of the committee that since the landlords of the lands, which fall under the GHACEM concession; includes 33 Manya Krobo landlords and 15 Yilo Krobo Landlords, royalties accruing from the concession should be shared proportionally to the landlords from each traditional area.
That the Manya Krobo Traditional area should be given 68.75 per cent representing the 33 landlords, while Yilo Krobo Traditional area receive 31.25 per cent representing the 15 Yilo Krobo landlords.
GNA