Chiefs must be recognised before ministers at state events – Otumfuo

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has expressed disgust at what he says is the continuous disrespect meted out to chiefs at public and state functions.

In his view, it is disrespectful for moderators at state events to recognise all political representatives including, district chief executives before acknowledging chiefs, who are the custodians of lands.

Addressing the Ashanti regional House of Chiefs, the Ashanti monarch said it is crucial that chiefs are given their proper place in society.

“Sometimes chiefs will be at state functions and all the three arms of government will be acknowledged, then they will mention names of ministers, and chiefs will still be sitting there; why is that?

“Meanwhile, the lands belonged to the chiefs even before governments come to office. But when recognition is being given, we are put at the bottom, that is wrong. There should be a petition to parliament to change that practice. The classification must change,” he stated

He continued: “I know when I am around (at functions), they try to acknowledge me, but it’s not about me, I am talking about all the other chiefs. Often DCEs and ministers are even acknowledged before chiefs, why should that be”.