Presidency concerned about wrong impression in Ga chieftaincy

Accra, April 29, GNA - The presidency has expressed concern about the wrong impression being created in the public that President John Atta Mills supports a faction in the Ga chieftaincy dispute.

A letter written by Mr James Bebaako-Mensah, Secretary to the President ahd addressed to King Tackie Tawiah III, Ga Mantse, said a letter written to the Ga Mantse on January 15, 2009 was only a response to the Mantse's letter dated January 12 congratulating President Mills on his election.

"It has been brought to the notice of His Excellency that this letter to you has been misconstrued by certain individuals as His Excellency's endorsement or acceptance of a particular party or faction of the Ga stool. To give credence to this misconception, it would seem that the letter has been widely circulated and even posted on the internet," it said.

It said under the constitution, matters relating to chieftaincy are the prerogative of the Regional and National Houses of Chiefs, adding "Government does not interfere in chieftaincy matters and disputes."

It said: "His Excellency hereby reiterates his respect for the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and for the sanctity of the chieftaincy institution. He therefore would not like to be involved in any act that would seem to undermine the sacred institution."

"His Excellency believes that you would want to encourage Government to adhere to the tenets of the Constitution and the ingrained principle of non-interference of Government in matters of Chieftaincy."