The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has cautioned chiefs against engaging in active politics, warning that such involvement could potentially spark violence in the country.
According to the Ministry, chiefs should avoid endorsing political candidates, as this could compromise their neutrality and heighten tensions.
In an interview with Channel One News at the Ghana Catholic Bishop’s Conference, under the theme “SPI National Forum on Social Cohesion, Security, and Peaceful Elections,” the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng urged chiefs to refrain from endorsing political parties and instead, position themselves as impartial mediators to resolve conflicts and promote peace.
He stressed that their role is to promote peace and social cohesion, rather than taking sides in political disputes.
Asamoah Boateng noted that the chieftaincy institution is revered and must remain non-partisan, as mandated by the constitution.
He cautioned that chiefs who involve themselves in politics risk creating confusion and undermining their ability to resolve conflicts and bring people together.
“The chieftaincy institution is so revered that the law says that don’t get partisan. So basically, I’m begging the chiefs, don’t do it. Don’t, don’t advise them. When they come to you, advise them. Just say, oh, look, conduct yourself well, God willing, if you win, I’ll be for you. Because as a chief, whoever wins, you are there.
“You are the eldest and revered. You must be able to bring us together when there’s a problem. So if you take one side and I win and you are not on my side, sometimes human beings, how do I work with you? It takes extraordinary people to rise above the pettiness to work with you.”
“Sometimes they might say, they don’t like us, or, I’m not going there. I’m not greeting them. So please, chiefs, let’s try and hold the two parties together. This is what we want the chiefs to do. Don’t get involved.
“Yes, you may be enthusiastic, you may have your personal feelings about a party. You want to vote for them, but that’s your personal feeling. The law says you are above it. Elevate yourself to a higher level so that when there’s a conflict between the parties, you can bring us together.”
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