Chief warns politicians against dividing the nation

Tarkwa (W/R), Sept. 10 GNA - The President of the Apinto Divisional Council in the Wassa West District of the Western region, Nana Kwabena Angu II, at the weekend warned various political party leaders and functionaries not to do anything that would thrust the nation into disarray and anarchy.

He also deplored the situation where national issues were reduced to a political game of mudslinging and vicious attacks on personalities and urged politicians to resist the temptation of using the media as a weapon to attack opponents.

"Democracy is greatly enhanced when politicians engage in constructive and healthy debate on topical issues to arrive at credible alternatives for moving the country forward," Nana Angu stated at the installation and swearing-in of three sub-chiefs of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area at Awudua.

The three sub-chiefs-- Nana Kwabena Nketia IV Chief of Popoasi was installed as the Royal Son of the Apintohene, "Abakomahene," Nana Kwabena Oboh II as the Presidential Spokesman, "Akyeamehene," and Nana Abena Akyeanpomaa IV, Gyaasepanyin swore the customary oath to Nana Angu and people at Awudua sacred palace ground.

The sub-chiefs held the Apinto state sword in their right hand to espouse the greatness, achievements and conquests of Awudua ancestors pledge their total allegiance to the Apintohene and the people. "If you call me day, night, under whatever weather and condition and I fail to respond, I fail in my duty and I contravene the Great Oath of Awudua", they declared each.

The enthusiastic crowd that had gathered there immediately mobbed each sub-chief after the swearing and carried their leaders on their shoulders, while women besmeared them with powder amidst cheering wildly, waving white handkerchiefs, singing appellations and dancing to traditional music. The Chiefs acknowledged the cheers by meticulous waving of the right hand back, with all majesty. Nana Angu said: "The current peace and stability the country enjoys should not be sacrificed on the alter of political expediency by politicians and their cronies," he warned.

The Apintohene, who is also the Nifahene of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area urged politicians to spare Ghanaians the pain and agony of civil war by tolerating the views of opponents and avoid acts and utterances that could lead to a breach of the peace.

Nana Angu asked chiefs to demonstrate non-partisanship in their dealings with politicians to maintain the dignity of the chieftaincy institution.

"We are obligated to maintain absolute political neutrality and to encourage political parties to be tolerant of each other and work together to sustain the peace, stability and progress of the nation." Nana Angu II said, chiefs rather needed to encourage their subjects to vote the way they want and desist from coercing them to vote for a particular party or individual.

Before their installation and swearing-in, the three chiefs were tutored on palace structures, organisation and the history of the people, including court etiquette and royal manner of speech. With teaching aid models of the palace, the new chiefs learn the whole complex tapestry of Awudua custom and regal life such as how to control speech, thoughts, walking and when to smile and when to look serious or gloomy.

Wassa tradition also demands that the new chiefs were also schooled to recognise each drum by its sound, to know what the combinations of the drum and sound mean, and how to dance to the tune and rhythm. The installation and swearing ceremony was witness by dignitaries across the country, Ministers of State, Traditional Rulers from the Western Region, and a cross-section of the public including the clergy. 10 Sept. 06