Don't usurp authority of traditional rulers - assembly members told

Juaso (Ash), Jan 17, GNA - A retired civil servant has appealed to assembly members to desist from struggling for authority with traditional rulers in their localities.

Mr Yaw Sarpong said the increasing rate of conflict between assembly members and traditional rulers was a threat to development. He was speaking at a three-day workshop for assembly members in the Asante-Akim South District at Juaso.

His comment was in response to several complaints by the participants accusing chiefs of interfering in their duties during an open forum.

Mr Sarpong said though assembly members were empowered to spearhead development in their electoral areas, it was becoming rampant for some of them to overstep their authorities, leading to conflict between them and traditional rulers.

He said most assembly members had become unpopular among the electorate shortly after their election due to unhealthy relationship with chiefs.

Mr Sarpong said even in situations where there was bad blood between an assembly member and a chief before his election, it was incumbent on the assembly member to take the initiative to make peace with the chief in the interest of the people.