By Frank Kwame Abbor
Ho, June 20, GNA – Togbega Tepre Hodo IV, President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, has expressed concern over what he described as weak collaboration and a lack of responsiveness by some heads of decentralised government departments towards traditional authorities.
He raised the concerns at a meeting between the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, heads of decentralised departments, and Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), held in Ho.
The meeting was convened by Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, to strengthen collaboration between government institutions and traditional authorities.
Mr Gunu said the meeting was intended to ensure that all stakeholders appreciated their collective responsibility towards the development of the region.
“I have deliberately invited all heads of decentralised departments, Municipal Chief Executives and District Chief Executives to this meeting with the House of Chiefs so that we all understand that the development of this region depends on all of us,” he stated.
He described it as unacceptable for heads of departments to be posted to districts without being known to the respective traditional leaders, noting that such a disconnect undermined effective local governance.
“I don’t like a situation where a head of department is posted to a district and the Paramount Chief does not know the person. That is not how we build a serious system,” he said.
Mr Gunu directed that all newly posted officers must formally introduce themselves to traditional authorities in their areas of operation.
He also cautioned that officials who failed to attend such meetings without permission would be required to explain their absence.
Addressing the meeting, Togbega Tepre Hodo, who is also the Paramount Chief of the Anfoega Traditional Area, said many chiefs across the region had not received the expected level of cooperation from some public servants.
“The important point I would like to drive home on behalf of all chiefs here present, and indeed all chiefs in the region, is that there has not been much collaboration between some heads of departments and chiefs within the traditional areas,” he stated.
He reminded public officials that they were servants of the people and must demonstrate humility, responsiveness and commitment to duty.
“You are civil servants and public servants, but sometimes it looks as if you are overlords. There should be a shift in that approach. You should see yourselves first and foremost as public servants rather than anything else,” he said.
Togbega Tepre Hodo said his comments were based on persistent complaints from traditional leaders about the inability of some departmental heads to respond to requests and effectively engage on development issues.
“I have not had the desired cooperation from some of you, the heads of these departments. If the situation does not improve, I will suggest to my colleagues that we begin inviting departmental heads, just as Parliament does, to appear before us and answer questions,” he warned.
He said the House of Chiefs would no longer tolerate what he described as indifference towards traditional authorities and community development.
“We will no longer tolerate the lukewarm attitude that some of you are in the habit of exhibiting. Enough is enough,” he declared.
The President of the House of Chiefs, however, commended the Regional Minister for maintaining regular engagement with traditional leaders and providing updates on government programmes.
“I will credit the Regional Minister with one thing. He is always ready to explain situations and assist us whenever the need arises. Others can do better because they are more directly in touch with the people,” he noted.
He urged chiefs to report cases of non-cooperation by public officials to the House for appropriate action, adding that the success of the government’s reset agenda depended on accountability and diligence.
Togbega Tepre Hodo also welcomed progress on the proposed Keta Port project and plans for a possible railway linkage to neighbouring countries, describing the initiatives as key to the region’s economic transformation.
He reminded public officials that the successful execution of such projects would depend on their professionalism and integrity.
“You are the public servants who will execute these projects on our behalf. We expect full, fair and candid execution of these projects for the good of the region and the country,” he said.
He urged heads of departments to recommit themselves to their duties.
“A word to the wise is enough. Let us work together to build this region and build this country,” he concluded.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah