Editorial by Ghanaian Times: Emulate Tongu chiefs!

There is no gainsaying the fact that chiefs in the country generally lost their original powers at the advent of colonialism and sub­sequent political developments, including the so-called democra­cy, which came with appendages some of which can be described as being troublesome.

There was a time when chiefs wielded authority that made them shakers and movers in their communities and, with the assistance of their council members, could contain all manner of misconduct among the people and ensure peaceful living and development.

The solace is that chiefs are recognised by the state to play roles that fall within the confines of the constitution.

This is good, but the situation has given some citizens the impetus to show disdain to the extent that they have the audacity and the impudence to decline the chief’s invitation to the palace in respect of some bad things they have done.

The Ghanaian Times is glad that the chiefs have not given up on what they can do to help develop the country.

On this note, the paper ap­plauds the 13 paramount chiefs from the three Tongu districts, namely North, South, and Central Tongu, for forming the Union of Tongu Chiefs (UTC).

The UTC has the primary goal to promote peace and unity among the chiefs and people of Tongu in order to accelerate development in the Tongu jurisdiction.

Members of the Union must note that their achievement is a great feat, as it is said that similar attempts to form associations in the Volta Region, where the Tongu districts are located, have failed due to petty conflicts.

Is it not sad to learn that there are 49 chieftaincy disputes pending before the Volta Regional House of Chiefs?

The Ghanaian Times agrees with anyone or institution describing the situation as a disturbing trend that hinders the region’s development.

For example, it would be difficult to reach an agreement and have one voice on certain matters that would bring development to the communities there.

The paper thus joins the plead­ing from the Paramount Chief of Anfoega Traditional Area and President of the VRHC, Togbe Tepre Hodo, that the UTC would not become a ground for chief­taincy disputes but would use its influence to help resolve pending cases amicably to promote peace and unity in Tongu and, by extension, the whole region.

This should not be a problem for the UTC because it has a history regarding the formation of unions in the region and the knowledge of the strengths of a union to guide it.

As with any other union, the UTC has the collective strength that has a bearing on brokering peace since it can douse all biases with its power of collectivity.

It also has the ability to ensure mutual respect and fairness for the chieftains involved in disputes.

While helping to resolve disputes in its jurisdiction and the entire region, the union would surely see peace and unity as the order of the day.

As a result, development would seamlessly flow into the region no matter which political party is in power because there would be that collective effort to seek it.

Considering what the Union of Tongu Chiefs can do to enhance development in its jurisdiction, the Volta Region, and the entire country, the Ghanaian Times urges it to try and surmount all nascent problems and be a force to reckon with.

That way, it would not be difficult for other paramount chiefs to see the strength in unity and emulate the Union to promote peace and development in the country.