Government should make chiefs key development partners - Okyehene

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Okyehene, has said traditional authorities had a lot to do in transforming the lives of the people for the betterment of the Ghanaian society.

He, therefore, appealed to the government to create congenial atmosphere for partnership as they worked assiduously to realise the development aspirations of the people.

“We do not want to remain just traditional rulers. Our country needs transformation, and we must encourage our people to take care of their own destiny,” he noted.

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin said this at the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi, at a dinner hosted by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to climax the second Head of State Golf Invitational Tournament.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was in attendance, as well as Nana Otuo Siriboe, Omanhene of Juaben and Chairman of the Council of State.

A cross-section of traditional authorities, politicians, technocrats, executive golfers and other professionals were represented at the ceremony. The Okyehene said he cherished his relationship with the Asantehene, explaining that the two of them shared many things in common.

“Asantehene and I have a lot in common. We believe in the tradition that binds us together. We are different people on different stools, but we need to remain as Ghanaians,” he told the gathering.

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin stressed the need for all to support government programmes and initiatives designed to alleviate poverty amongst the people.

In a brief message, President Nana Akufo-Addo said the government would continue to bring on board traditional rulers in the country’s development aspirations to facilitate socio-economic growth.

He thanked organisers of the programme for their vision and sense of commitment to whip up the enthusiasm for golf amongst Ghanaians.