By Kamal Ahmed, GNA
Akwamufie (E/R), June 22, GNA – The National Peace Council (NPC) has organised a one-day capacity development programme for Akwamu traditional authorities and local government officers to strengthen traditional and local governance systems in the Asuogyaman District.
The programme, held at the Bogyawe Palace in Akwamufie, brought together traditional leaders, local government officials, and other stakeholders to discuss effective governance, conflict resolution, and the role of traditional authorities in promoting peace and development.
Speaking at the event, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the National Peace Council, Dr Mark Boadu, said research conducted by the Council over the past year revealed a high number of chieftaincy-related disputes in various communities.
He explained that the training was designed to equip chiefs with the knowledge and skills needed to handle disputes in accordance with the Chieftaincy Act and other relevant laws.
The initiative formed part of the NOC’s efforts to promote peace and harmony by preventing conflicts before they escalate.
“For us at the Peace Council, all we pray for is peace and harmony. We are being proactive because we will not wait for disputes to flare up before we come and talk about peace,” he said.
Dr. Boadu urged traditional authorities across the Eastern Region to partner with the National Peace Council to undertake similar educational and capacity-building programmes.
Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, Paramount Chief of the Akwamu Traditional Area welcomed the initiative and emphasised the important role traditional leaders played within Ghana’s governance structure.
He noted that chiefs remained key partners in national development and must therefore be equipped with the necessary knowledge to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
“We are part of the government’s machinery and governance system, which is why we must embrace programmes that strengthen the chieftaincy institution and improve our work,” he stated.
He encouraged participants to actively engage in the training and apply the knowledge gained in their traditional leadership roles.
Resource person and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) expert and a lawyer, Mr Alex Nartey, said chiefs were custodians of the land and had constitutional authority to resolve certain disputes within their jurisdictions.
He observed that many matters that could be settled through customary arbitration often ended up in court, creating unnecessary delays and complications.
He said strengthening the adjudication capacity of traditional authorities would help reduce conflicts, improve access to justice, and promote social stability.
“It is only when we are able to manage conflict that there will be development, happiness and peace within our communities,” he said.
Nana Ofei Boadu, Tufuhene of Akwamuman, commended the National Peace Council for organising the programme, noting that the training highlighted the importance of reintroducing traditional courts to complement the formal judicial system and reduce pressure on the courts.
He also called for greater involvement of traditional authorities in decisions relating to natural resources and community development, further stressing that stronger collaboration between government and traditional institutions would contribute to sustainable peace and development.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Kamal Ahmed
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