La Shikitele questions ministry over suspension of La Traditional Council

Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, the La Shikitele (kingmaker) and head of the Nmati Abonase Quarter, has rejected allegations made against him concerning the indefinite suspension of the La Traditional Council by the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs.

Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, who also doubles as a member of the La Traditional Council, addressed accusations that he was responsible for the council's suspension.

He denied these claims, explaining that he had no involvement in the suspension, and provided his perspective on the issue.

"There have been issues concerning the La Traditional Council which led to what I will call a purported suspension. This has created misconceptions, and various accusations have been leveled against me, claiming that I am the cause of the suspension and that I oppose the admission of new members into the council.

"I want all and sundry to know that these accusations are false. I am not responsible. The issues surrounding the admission of new members into the council date back to the reign of the late La Mantse around 2014 and 2015. These are legal matters, and we cannot overlook the law or act outside of it. Some individuals involved have even taken the issue to court, and the cases are still pending,” he said.

“I have read the law and I am for the right things to be done in accordance with the law.”

Speaking during a press conference on October 6, 2024, he questioned the legal basis for the suspension, raising concerns about why other councils, particularly those in prone illegal mining areas (galamsey), had not faced similar actions.

Nii Adjei Koofeh IV further questioned whether the La Traditional Council had violated any law by not admitting new members as alleged, and he challenged the legal grounds for the council's suspension.

"Even if it is true that we did not admit new members as claimed, which law have we violated according to the constitution?

“Is the suspension of the council a legal remedy for such an issue? Which part of the law prescribes the requisite number of members for a traditional council? Or the proper constitution of a traditional council? And what law permits the suspension of a council if it is not properly constituted? Why is this action only restricted to La?

"Are all the traditional councils in Ghana and the regional houses of chiefs properly constituted? If not, why haven't any of them been suspended? Why is only the La Traditional Council facing suspension?" he questioned.

He also addressed rumours that the council was suspended due to land sales.

"Some are twisting the narrative, claiming we have been suspended because we are selling lands. Even if that were the case, do those who suspended us have the authority to claim we are selling lands and then suspend us for it?

“People are doing galamsey, water bodies are being polluted and experts are saying that we will be importing water in the near future.

“In those areas where they are doing the galamsey, they have not even suspended their traditional council and you say La traditional council elders are selling lands so you are suspending them. Is it right? All those who are accusing us, they should bring evidence,” he added.

Nii Adjei Koofeh IV assured members of the council that their power and authority still remain intact without any limitations.

A statement issued by the Ministry on September 20, 2024, said the suspension is to allow the Regional House and Ministry to implement measures to ensure the smooth operation of the Council.

"Furtherance to our earlier deliberations in relation to the smooth operation of the La Tradition with the Hon. Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Acting President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs and the Registrar of the House.

“The House and the ministry have come to a conclusion that the operation of the La Traditional Council should be suspended starting from September 26, 2024, till further notice.

"This is to allow both the Regional House and the Ministry to put in place proper measures that will allow for the smooth running of the Council" it stated.

The Ministry entreated all governmental institutions not to deal with any persons purporting to come from the Council.

"I am by this letter also requesting all Governmental Institutions not to deal with any person or group of persons purporting to come under the guise. of La Traditional Council membership.

“All Paramount Stool Land-related issues must also be put on hold pending the operation of the Traditional Council or the enstoolment of a new La Paramount Chief (La Mantse) as stated in the section 45 of the Chieftaincy Act.

“By copy of this letter the Registrar of La Traditional Council is directed to hand over all Traditional Council property to the Regional House and for further directives", it noted.

AM/GA

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