By Edward Williams, GNA
Hohoe (V/R), April 22, GNA – A Community Development Strategic Plan aimed at fostering development and growth has been launched by the Gbi-Bla Division of the Gbi Traditional Area in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region.
The 62-paged Plan christened, “Gbi-Bla Traditional Authority Chiefdom of Buami” spans from 2025 to 2045.
The Division has also launched its Administrative Procedures, providing the required standards for the secular administration of the Gbi-Bla community under the leadership of Togbe Buami IX, the Chief of Gbi-Bla.
Togbe Buami IX, in his address during the launch said the Plan served as a roadmap of the development of Gbi-Bla which would require the commitment of all citizens as well as support from non-governmental organizations, benevolent individuals and businesses and the government.
He said they combined research and analysis of the past and developing current contexts in Gbi-Bla, Hohoe and its surrounding communities and the Volta and Oti regions at large in developing the Plan.
Togbe Buami said a comprehensive consultation and engagement process was undertaken with stakeholders whose efforts provided a foundation for and informed the strategic objectives and plan of actions to implement them.
He said five thematic areas, namely; governance, physical development, economic and financial development, education and health and cultural heritage and recreation were identified.
Togbe Dzidoah I, Sub-Divisional Chief of Gbi-Abansi, noted that the 21st Century Chief was one who no longer carried himself as a mere ceremonial figurehead but acted as a visionary leader who balances Tradition with innovation in pursuit of the development of his people.
“As the custodians of Heritage and Development, we hold it as a sacred responsibility to protect our lands, safeguard our customs and promote our identities as the unifying symbols of our communities”.
He said Chiefs owed it as a natural duty to be the champions of peace, stability and unity as firm building blocks for the development and progress being sought.
Togbe Dzidoah said the relevance of any Chief or Queen Mother in the 21st century dispensation, lied in the capacity to mobilise people around shared visions for progress, while actively advocating for their rights and competently representing their interests in all engagements with governments and other external stakeholders.
He said it was up to every citizen and all well-wishers of Gbi-Bla, to take the Plan into their hearts and make it a living reality through actions.
Mama Ama Serwaa IlI, Queen of Gbi-Bla, said the Plan was a clarion call that would catapult the “bright morning into that day” where accountability was once again the cornerstone of customary governance.
“Where the preservation of our cultural heritage and natural environment is once again a considerable consideration in every communal and personal decision-making; where individual and communal development is once again our collective preoccupation”.
The queen appreciated efforts towards preparing the Plan, adding that they counted on all stakeholders in pursuing the goals geared towards the ultimate attainment of the universally adopted interwoven Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, Hohoe Constituency Member of Parliament (MP), described Togbe Buami as a 21st century traditional ruler.
He said a development plan guided everyone and community to achieve a lot while promising the full support of his office and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to the realisations of the plans.
Mr Prosper Kumi, Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) commended the Division for its strategic plan which would also enable the Assembly to formulate its plan.
He said it would be a great initiative for communities to have a plan towards their development.
GNA
MA/LAA