By Maxwell Awumah
Ho, Dec. 17, GNA – The Tanyigbe Traditional Council has marked its first milestone since its inauguration on December 17 last year, with a renewed call on citizens to unite and work together for the development of the area.
The Council was among several traditional councils inaugurated in the Volta Region under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led administration.
Katamanto Togbe Etoi Kodzo II, Gbeléawo-Fiɔ (Paramount Chief) of Tanyigbe, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), reviewed the past year and expressed gratitude to key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, for facilitating the elevation of Tanyigbe to traditional council status.
He acknowledged the generosity of some natives of Tanyigbe, both locally and abroad, including an employee of the United Nations who paid the Council’s registration fee on behalf of the area, as well as another non-resident household whose support led to the construction and commissioning of an ultra-modern Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Compound.
The Paramount Chief announced plans to establish a Tanyigbe Hall of Fame to honour distinguished natives who had excelled and contributed significantly to the progress and image of the area.
He said chiefs, beyond acting as intermediaries for social cohesion, justice and local development, served primarily as cultural custodians, community advocates and dispute resolvers, upholding customs, mediating conflicts, overseeing land administration and mobilising development.
Togbe Etoi Kodzo II noted that the Tanyigbe Traditional Council had not been fully operational since its inauguration, describing the situation as temporary and expressing optimism that it would soon be resolved.
He disclosed that an appeal related to the matter had its first hearing at the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on December 9 and expressed hope for a timely conclusion to enable all factions to work together in peace for the advancement of Tanyigbe.
“The Council is to be headed by the President, the Paramount Chief (Fiagã), who presents members to the House of Chiefs for swearing-in, followed by gazetting by the State,” he explained.
“It is when the Council is fully constituted that a Registrar is appointed by the State and official business commences. We shall soon get there,” he added.
The Paramount Chief expressed appreciation to the President, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and all chiefs and panellists, past and present, who deliberated on or adjudicated the Tanyigbe Paramountcy Petition of 2017, the judgment of which was delivered on March 21 this year.
He appealed to Tanyigbe citizens at home and abroad to remain patient and united, urging them to uphold the values of the area and work collectively towards development.
He cautioned the youth against actions that could undermine state authority through unwarranted provocations, stressing the need for restraint and discipline.
On education, Togbe Etoi Kodzo II said plans were underway to support Junior and Senior High Schools in the area with logistics, particularly in response to challenges reflected in recent West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.
He also acknowledged the Norvisi Development Union (NORDU) and the Asogli State for their camaraderie and support during the first anniversary of the Tanyigbe Traditional Council, assuring them of continued cooperation and mutual respect.
GNA
Edited by: Audrey Dekalu