By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Abor (VR), Dec 19, GNA- Togbi Tenge Dzokoto Gligui VII, the Paramount Chief of Amugo-Vego Traditional Area, in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region, has urged the residents to adhere to customary laws of the area.
He commended residents of Abor for maintaining peace during the burial of the late Togbi Dordzeavudzi Atrsifo II, Dufia of Abor and entreat the Dordzeavudzi family to ensure that installation of his successor does not take longer than expected.
Togbi Tenge Dzokoto Gligui, said this during a town-hall meeting held at Abor and emphasised that even during alleged disagreement after the death of Togbi Dordzeavudzi, the people of Abor remained united and chose dignity over conflict.
“The passing of our beloved Dufia has indeed created a seeming vacuum, however, our tradition does not leave the people leaderless, and our custom does not permit vacuum in authority,” he said.
He explained that the installation of Chiefs or Queens in Amugo Vego follows laid-down customary procedures and in compliance with the Chieftaincy Act.
He emphasised that Abor township is not without chiefs, and the absence of the Dufia does not mean the absence of traditional authorities in the town and charged all to respect other traditional authorities in the Abor town.
He said that Abor is an integral part of the Amugo-Vego Traditional Area and one of its major divisions and noted that, since the tradition of Amugo Vego does not leave the people leaderless and its customs do not permit vacuum in authority, a regent has been appointed for the Dordzeavudzi stool in the interim with a notification to the office as the Paramount chief of the Area.
“There are recognised chiefs and elders in Abor who remain fully mandated by custom and tradition to handle matters requiring the attention, wisdom and authority of a chief. Any issue that arises within the community can and must be brought to these chiefs for guidance, settlement and direction.”
He stated that the installation of any chief or Queen in the Amugo-Vego Traditional Area is done strictly in accordance with the laid-down customary procedures and in compliance with the Chieftaincy Act.
Togbi Tenge Dzokoto Gligui, who is also the Head of Bate Clan, said that both the custom of Traditional Area and the Chieftaincy Act made it clear that only the kingmakers of a Royal family have the right to select a candidate for installation and urged all royal families in the area to fully adhere to the customary protocols and procedures regarding the installation of new chiefs and Queens in the Amugo-Vego Traditional Area.
He emphasised that installation forms were issued by the Traditional Area, and any royal families that ignore the procedures and install a chief or Queen without the laid-down processes cannot come to the Amugo-Vego Traditional Council to gazette the said Chief or Queen.
He said that after satisfying the customary procedures regarding installation, the Chieftaincy Act 759, Section 62(2) also mandated the kingmakers to make a public notice of at least 14 days before installation of a candidate according to the customs of the area and called on all to satisfy both the Customary procedures and the Chieftaincy Act.
He said that the office of the Paramount Chief and Amugo-Vego Traditional Council remain open to all royal families and community members who may require guidance on matters concerning chieftaincy in general and urged all to seek direction in such matters to observe and maintain harmony in the Traditional area.
He said that the state has established Traditional Councils to adjudicate and settle any matter affecting chieftaincy, and all matters affecting chieftaincy in Amugo-Vego should be brought before the Amugo-Vego Traditional Council for proper adjudication.
The Council also ensures that any disputes relating to nomination, selection, and installation of candidates (succession), or other chieftaincy matters before, during or after installation are addressed in line with the customary laws of the Amugo-Vego Traditional Area, ensuring fairness, order and respect for both tradition and the laws of Ghana.
Togbi Tenge Dzokoto Gligui said his vision, however, was to make Amugo Vego traditional area litigation-free in matters relating to chieftaincy and encourage all royal families within the Traditional Area to develop comprehensive succession plans for their stools to help minimise conflicts, protect their heritage and promote peace among members of royal families and the communities.
He demanded cooperation and support from all royal families within the Area to achieve same vision, to enable them minimise chieftaincy litigation to the barest minimum and redirect their resources, energy and influence as traditional leaders into the development of their communities and the progress of their subjects, especially the teeming youth.
He expressed hope that the people of Abor and the surrounding communities would continue to work with the office of the Paramount Chief and the Traditional Council to bring finality to all chieftaincy issues in the community to ensure that the traditions, customs and the rule of law guide their actions.
“Let me state in this regard that the practice whereby chieftaincy issues within the Amugo-Vego Traditional Area are addressed to someone else and merely copied to me, the Paramount Chief, with the expectation that I should act on them, must stop immediately. I am the highest traditional authority in the Amugo-Vego Traditional Area and the Traditional Council.”
“Therefore, if you have a matter that requires the attention and action of the highest traditional authority and you choose to address it to someone else, I will have no obligation to act on it.” Togbi Tenge said.
He charged the residents to use the gathering as a platform for dialogue, understanding and collective planning for the growth and development of Abor and the Amugo-Vego Traditional Area and come together to honour the heritage, overcome challenges and create a legacy for future generations.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade