By Samuel Akumatey
Kpetoe (V/R), Oct 10, GNA – The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has inaugurated the Agortime Traditional Council which caps the traditional administrative structure provided for by a constitutional article.
Hundreds from the community, the home of locally woven fabric, the kente, joined the inauguration ceremony, which featured celebration and culture.
A total of nine gazetted rulers were sworn in as members of the Council with Nene Nuer Keteku, the Konor of Agotime as its first President.
The Konor declared an end to the struggle for the attainment of the council, which he said begun in 1941.
He said the elevation became “a beacon of hope” as the area had been “an integral part of the Asogli Project,” and was grateful to the government and the various stakeholders for the establishment.
Nene Nuer Keteku called for peace and unity, and said it was “a new beginning to streamline the chieftaincy institution in Agotime, and a platform for a meaningful discourse on peace and unity.
“Together we shall uphold the values of justice, integrity, and harmony that our forebearers have instilled in us,” he said.
Mr Baafi Nsiah, Chief Registrar at the Ministry inaugurated the Council on behalf of the sector Minister, Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, and inspected an office provided for its use.
He reiterated the Government’s recognition for traditional authority’s role in community and national development, and thus promulgation of traditional councils.
He said the council status should unite the people, and that the Ministry would avail staff and logistical support.
Mr. Harry Attipoe, Registrar of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, said the contemporary traditional council would establish administrative structures and committees in the coming days.
He also urged unity towards the realisation of the council’s ideals.
Present at the inauguration were traditional leaders from across the district, and political leaders including the Member of Parliament and the District Chief Executive, all who pledged support, and said they looked forward to working together with the traditional council for the advancement of the community.
The Ministry is inaugurating a total of 14 traditional councils in the Volta Region over a two- week period, and the Agotime Council was the first.
Notable among the new councils are the Ave Dakpa, Agave, and Klefe Tradtional Councils.
The rest include Kpedze, Takla, Sokode, and Akrofu.
GNA