By Kamal Ahmed
Somanya (E/R), June 27, GNA – The Yilo Krobo Traditional Council, led by Oklepeme Nuer Anorbah Sasraku II, has inaugurated seven chiefs to strengthen the governance and traditional leadership structure within the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area in the Eastern Region
The chiefs, having completed all legal requirements, including registration and gazetting, were inaugurated at a ceremony aimed at reinforcing their authority and recognizing them under the laws of Ghana.
Addressing the gathering, Oklepeme Nuer Anorbah Sasraku II stressed the significance of formal registration and gazetting of chiefs.
He explained that these processes were necessary for a chief to operate legally and be recognized by law.
“If you’re a chief and you’re not registered, you can’t work with the law or be recognized by it,” he said.
“When it comes to adjudicating matters, if you’re not gazetted, the law courts can overturn your decisions. But when you’re registered, gazetted, and have taken all the necessary oaths, your authority is legally enforceable,” he added.
He encouraged other traditional leaders, who are yet to register, to do so to fully exercise their roles and authority.
The newly inaugurated chiefs include, Asafoatse Bedu Opata Korley, Nene Madjan Kenetey, Manye Marku Zuta, Asafoatse Tetteh Kofi Karikari, Dadematse, Kwao Stephen Tetteh, Nene Anyernogu Teye Agor IX, Dadematse Kwao-Kumah Yohuno
The swearing-in was officiated by Justice Frank AWK Nawura of the Somanya High Court, who administered the oath of office, oath of secrecy, and oath of allegiance.
Chiefs selected to serve on the Traditional Council’s Judicial Committee were also made to take the judicial oath.
In his remarks, Justice Nawura described the occasion as a sacred one, urging the chiefs to serve with integrity, transparency, and selflessness.
“You are about to pledge yourself to a sacred trust placed in you by our ancestors, by tradition, and by the community. Let honesty and a strong moral compass guide your leadership,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of preserving tradition and customs, and urged the newly inaugurated chiefs to be accessible, fair, and accountable to their people.
Speaking to the media, Nene Anyernogu Teye Agor IX, Divisional Chief of Okper, explained that legal recognition through gazetting was crucial in resolving chieftaincy disputes and reinforcing legitimate authority.
“When you’re enstooled but not registered or gazetted, you’re limited in decision-making and cannot adjudicate cases,” he said. “But once you’re gazetted, no third party can legally claim your title.”
He warned that anyone who falsely claimed to be chief of Okper now risked being cited for contempt of court.
He reaffirmed his dedication to peace and development in the Yilo Krobo area and called for support from his community.
“We need unity to drive development, and I am counting on the people of Okper to work with me,” he added.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Christian Akorlie