The Ministry for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has inaugurated five new Traditional Councils in the Volta Region, aimed at ending chieftaincy disputes and bring traditional leadership closer to the people.
A delegation led by the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, in a three-day tour of the Volta Region, created Afife Traditional Council, initially under Anlo Traditional Council, Adaklu and Ziavi Traditional Councils carved out from Asogli, Logba and Wusuta also previously under Akpini Traditional Council respectively.
The Minister, speaking at the various areas, urged the chiefs not to use the councils for litigation and for political purposes but rather focus on solving problems.
“The new traditional councils should not be seen as platforms for unnecessary litigations but rather a problem solving one. The Ministry will be so delighted to see the councils in peace and litigation-free areas which will enforce development in the region,” he said.
He also used the tour to charge the various chiefs to remember the government’s efforts in the creation of the new Councils saying ” I want you all to forever remember those people and their party who have given you total independence” .
He added that the government is much concerned about chiefs, therefore they’ll create more traditional councils to mitigate chieftaincy disputes across the country.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Afadzato South, Wisdom Semanu Seneadza, speaking at one of the ceremonies in Logba indicated that, the new Councils form part of the government’s decentralization programme.
He advised the traditional rulers to collaborate with the various government appointees to enhance development in peace and unity.
Registrar for the Volta Region House of Chiefs, Harry Anthony Attipoe, cautioned the chiefs to stay away from active politics and adhere to the dictates of the Chieftaincy Act.
He asked chiefs who are not gazetted to use the new offices to apply to also get recognition.
The various chiefs have sworn Oaths of Secrecy, Judicial Oath and Official Oath.
Each of the Councils have elected one Paramount Chief to spearhead their activities.
Togbega Adragbanya VI, is the President for Afife Council, Togbe Gbogbi Atsã V for Adaklu, Togbe Ayim III for Ziavi, Togbe Unansanango Dabra VI for Logba and Togbega Osei Tutu Obrempong III for Wusuta Traditional Council.
Most of the chiefs also used the occasion to praise the Nana Akufo Addo led administration for hearkening to their plea.
They said their joy cannot be emphasized enough on the Free SHS, Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) and Planting for Food and Jobs.
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By: Benjamin Aklama | citinewsroom.com | [email protected] | Ghana
