By Kingsley Mamore
Dambai (O/R), April 23, GNA – The President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Soglo Alloh IV, has expressed concern that the merger of the Chieftaincy Ministry with Local Government Ministry may not augur well for the chieftaincy institution.
Nana Alloh IV, the Paramount Chief of Likpe Traditional Council, noted that the Local Government Ministry is already large, and merging the two Ministries could lead to budgetary constraints for chieftaincy activities.
Speaking at an engagement with the Oti Regional Minister, he said, some chiefs were pleased to believe that both institutions are interconnected, while others thought the merger made sense given that their activities were community-based.
The President lamented that the government had not clarified whether the Chieftaincy Ministry’s budget had been redirected to the Local Government Ministry.
Nana Alloh expressed concern over the non-payment of allowances for chieftaincy activities, attributing it to the merger.
The President cited Article 270 of the Constitution, which establishes the Chieftaincy Ministry as a separate entity.
Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Minister has assured the chiefs that the government is committed to facilitating moves towards making Chieftaincy custodians of culture and traditions and completing the Regional House of Chiefs administration block.
The Minister explained that the project is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the chiefs in their roles and provide them with a functional platform to carry out their activities.
Mr Gyapong told GNA that the meeting was fruitful and has pledged to work closely with them and other stakeholders to promote peace and development in the region.
GNA
MA/KOA