By Alex Baah Boadi
Sefwi-Anhwiaso (WN/R), July 14, GNA – The Western North Regional Peace Council has held a consultative dialogue with members of the Anhwiaso Traditional Council on ways to curb rising chieftaincy disputes, illegal mining and illegal logging activities to promote peace and accelerate development in the region.
The engagement was held on the theme: “The Critical Role of Nananom as Custodians of Peace, Land and Harmony in Our Communities.”
The Most Reverend Samuel Nkuah-Boateng, Chairman of the Western North Regional Peace Council, said the Council’s mandate was to prevent and manage conflicts while promoting sustainable peace within communities.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after the dialogue, he noted that traditional authorities played a crucial role in maintaining peace, stability and harmony in their respective areas.
Most Rev Nkuah-Boateng said issues discussed during the engagement included illegal mining, illegal logging and conflict-resolution mechanisms employed by traditional authorities to ensure lasting peace.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders to promote peace and development in the region.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, Paramount Chief of the Anhwiaso Traditional Area and President of the National House of Chiefs, expressed concern about the increasing incidence of drug abuse among the youth.
He called on the Government to implement stringent measures to regulate the sale and distribution of illicit substances and other harmful drugs.
The Paramount Chief also urged the Government to create sustainable employment opportunities for the youth to enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Some chiefs at the dialogue appealed to the Government to grant traditional authorities more powers to support local governance and conflict resolution.
They also advocated intensified public education on the harmful effects of drug abuse to discourage young people from engaging in the practice.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Alex Baah Boadi