Chieftaincy owes its survival to its versatility- Minister

The survival over the ages of Ghana’s chieftaincy institution attests to its ability to adjust and become relevant to the changing phases of the society, says Mr Alexander Sum Ahensah, Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture.

Mr Ahensah was speaking at a durbar to mark the 60 years reign of Togbe Kwasi Adiko V, as Fiaga of Tanyigbe on the theme: “Celebrating 60 years reign, sustaining Chieftaincy at Tanyigbe.”

“Since pre-colonial, colonial, post-colonial and even in recent times the chieftaincy institution had survived various barrages of attacks with some calling for its abolition,” Mr Ahensah noted.

He said the institution has however proved its relevance in local governance, socio-economic development and education among other areas.

He said for the institution to sustain, improve and empower itself in future, “it must promote investment in order to accelerate our quest for development”, and consolidate the country’s recently achieved middle-income status.

Mr Ahensah commended Togbe Adiko for leading Tanyigbe in peace and unity to develop its human resources and channel them into the socio-economic development of the traditional area and the country.

He commended the community for deciding to establish the 'Tanyigbe Chieftaincy Endowment Fund' in honour of Togbe Adiko and suggested the need to make it a revolving fund to finance community development initiatives for the benefit of future generations.

Togbe Adiko thanked his sub-chiefs, elders and the citizenry for providing the support and co-operation which enabled him to lead them for the past years.

“The most important ingredient is your humility, without which I couldn’t have been this much successful. I honour you all for it,” he said.

Major-General Henry Anyidoho (Rtd), Ngoryifia of Tanyigbe, commended Togbe Adiko for recognising and mobilising the rich human resources available to him to develop the traditional area.**