Chieftaincy disputes due to lack of transparency

Pesse (E/R), May 5, GNA - Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Minister of State at the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture, has attributed the numerous chieftaincy disputes in the country to lack of transparency in the selection of candidates to occupy stools. He therefore called on traditional authorities to ensure that rightful candidates were allowed to occupy the stools to avoid those conflicts.

The Minster made the call in an address read on his behalf by the Director of Chieftaincy, Mr George Addo at a durbar of chiefs and people of Pesse in the Eastern Region.

The durbar was to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the enstoolment of Otwasuom Osae Nyanpong, Chief of Pesse and the Kamenahene of the Akwamu Traditional Area at Pesse on Saturday.

Mr Boafo said it had become very important for all occupants of black stools to carefully indicate in writing, the origin of their stools, brief history of previous occupants of the stools and unacceptable behaviour of occupants of the stool which may attract sanctions.

He said when all these were done and copies sent to the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs as well as the Ministry and National Archives for safe keeping, it would serve as reference point for occupants of stools.

"All these steps when carefully and honestly applied would eliminate conflicts and ensure that the most eligible and suitable candidate is selected, installed and accepted by all stakeholders." he said.

Mr Boafo said one of the major functions of the Ministry was to initiate, formulate and ensure the efficient and effective implementation of policies, plans, and programmes and projects to preserve, develop, promote and preserve Ghanaian heritage, institution, arts, architectural sites and values.

He therefore assured that his ministry would continue to come out with programmes and policies for traditional authorities to help them to preserve the dignity of the chieftaincy institution.

The Director General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Mr William Ampem Darko also the Guest of Honour, said this years general elections should not be considered as a do and die affair but must be a normal process of selecting leaders in order not to disturb the relative peace the nation was enjoying.

He said all the organs of government needed to play their roles effectively to move the nation forward and praised the media for its role in ensuring the sustainability of the democratic dispensation. Mr Amepem Darko cautioned the media to be circumspect in their reportage in order not to inflame passions before, during and after the general elections.

Otwasuom Osae Nyanpong commended the government on the numerous development projects currently going on in the area and appealed for early completion of the road from Marine to Gyakiti. The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu urged the people to encourage their sons and daughters both home and abroad to help develop the area.