By Emmanuel Gamson, GNA
Takoradi, March 05, GNA – Mr Seth Opoku, Secretary for the Ghana National Association of Chieftaincy Workers (GNACWO), says members of the association must play pivotal roles in helping to address chieftaincy disputes in the country.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he stated that the GNACWO could foster unity and cohesion among traditional leaders, promoting a culture of collaboration and mutual respect to help end the growing disputes within the chieftaincy institution.
He said: “I think we can do this through a multi-faceted approach like us spearheading comprehensive education and sensitisation on the Chieftaincy Act and ancillary laws.
Through this approach, GNACWO could empower traditional leaders and the public with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, thereby mitigating disputes stemming from ignorance.”
Mr Opoku added that GNACWO could also facilitate constructive dialogue and mediation between disputing parties by playing a neutral mediator role to help facilitate peaceful resolutions and promote social cohesion.
He noted that GNACWO must also champion policy reforms to address the root causes of chieftaincy disputes.
The Secretary, therefore, advocated amendments to the Chieftaincy Act to clarify ambiguous provisions and strengthen traditional councils.
Mr Alfred Doodo, National Chairman of GNACWO, said politics in chieftaincy issues should be avoided, and that parties should use mutually beneficial means to resolve disputes to help bring progress in their communities.
The Ghana National Association of Chieftaincy Workers (GNACWO) is a body for staff within the chieftaincy institution, comprising the National House of Chiefs, 16 Regional Houses of Chiefs, and Traditional and Divisional Councils under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.
As a key stakeholder, GNACWO plays a pivotal role in upholding ethical standards and promoting administrative efficiency in traditional affairs.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga /Linda Asante Agyei