Accra, June 30, GNA-Mr. Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Minister of Chieftaincy and Cultural Affairs has said only improved relationship between traditional authorities and government structures can help develop and raise the living conditions of the people and eradicate poverty.
''Chieftaincy has been the central traditional institution around which the Ghanaian society was organised and have, over the years played an important role in the governance of the country,'' he said. Mr. Boafo was the special guest at a special durbar of chiefs who were members of Commonwealth Hall (Vandals) on Saturday. He said traditional rulers were the custodians of culture, charged with preservation and maintenance of culture and should therefore work in synergy with all stakeholders to build a comprehensive program to conserve and promote the heritage.
The Durbar of Vandals Tradional Rulers is to showcase the traditional rulers in Ghana who are old vandals and to climax the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Commonwealth Hall. Mr. Boafo said students of the Commonwealth Hall have excelled in academic and sports but not all their exploits were positive and commendable.
He said some were not only negative but also distasteful. ''We all need to counsel the youth to endeavour to eliminate the negative practices such as occultism, sexual immorality and death-threats issued against senior members of the university''. He added that the wealth of every nation lies in its human resource and the need to strive towards the healthy development of the youth both mentally and morally.
Professor George Hagan an old 'vandal' and chairman at the National Commission on Culture said, the hall's motto; "Truth Stands" inspired the students of Commonwealth Hall to seek the truth at all times. Prof. Hagan said students from the Commonwealth Hall gained tremendous reputation for their talents and qualities that characterized the products of the Hall.
''If we speak the truth, the modern day vandal leaves a lot to be desired. And the Hall is in dander of losing its high reputation. Such has been the intensity of negative criticisms heaped on Commonwealth Hall''.
''Commonwealth Hall has produced quality men, chiefs politicians and great academicians so we must all help to redeem the image of the Hall and make it the great place for rearing future leaders''. Professor Harry Akusa, Hall Master said the theme for the celebration: '"50 years of Academic Excellence and Human Resource Development in Ghana," is to show that the Hall have produced different categories of human resources for the country. These include Chief Justices, top banking officials and prominent traditional rulers who were showcased and honoured to climax the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Hall.
Among the Traditional Rulers of the Hall present were Togbe Agbali III Paramount Chief of Blekusu Traditional Area, Togbe Dakudedzi II, Sub-Chief of Leklebi, Naa Ansoleh Ganaa II, paramount chief of Jirapa Traditional Area, Nii Armah III, Acting Asere Mantse, Osagyefo Osiadeayo Agyeman Badu II, Paramount Chief of Dormaa Traditional Area and Nana kobina Nketia (IV) Paramount Chief of Esikado Traditional Area. Osagyefo Osiadeoyo Agyeman Badu presented 20 million cedis to the Hall. Dasebre Oti Boateng the Paramount chief of New Juabeng who was absent also presented the Hall with a cheque of 20 million cedis. Mr. Justice Anin Yeboah, the chairman of the national planning committee of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations said the Hall decided to showcase these traditional rulers to foster unity among the various ethnic groups through the sharing of cultures.
"We want to dispel the notion that Vandals are rowdy and troublesome," he said.
