By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA
Kumasi, July 1, GNA – The Yagbonwura, Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, has called on traditional authorities nationwide to demonstrate the relevance of the chieftaincy institution, by leading efforts to improve the living conditions of their people.
He said although debates persisted over the role of chieftaincy in contemporary governance, chiefs remained the pillars around which many communities developed and therefore had a responsibility to spearhead initiatives that promoted the welfare of their subjects.
The Yagbonwura made the call when he paid a historic courtesy visit to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace, as part of activities marking the fifth Awukudae Festival of 2026.
Leading a high-powered delegation from the Gonja Kingdom, the Yagbonwura described the visit as a significant step towards strengthening the longstanding relationship between the Gonja and Asante kingdoms, while fostering greater collaboration for the benefit of their people.
He said successive governments and constitutional provisions had recognised the institution of chieftaincy because of its critical role in the administration of local communities and the management of natural resources.
“Numerous studies have shown that despite controversies over the relevance of this institution, chiefs remain pivots around whom local communities thrive,” he noted.
He therefore appealed to traditional rulers to seize every opportunity to demonstrate that the institution remained capable of addressing the developmental needs of their communities.
The Yagbonwura said his visit to the Asante Kingdom symbolised a renewed commitment by the two traditional authorities, to work together to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of their people.
He observed that the gathering was more than a ceremonial event, describing it as the reunion of two historic royal houses whose destinies had been intertwined for more than three centuries.
The Yagbonwura recalled that long before the emergence of the modern Ghanaian state, the Gonja and Asante kingdoms were among the most organised and influential African states, built on courage, justice, wisdom and disciplined leadership.
He said although the two kingdoms were geographically apart, they had maintained enduring ties through trade, diplomacy and cultural exchange over the centuries.
The Chief stated that ancient trade routes linking Salaga, Kintampo, Techiman and Kumasi served not only as commercial corridors but also strengthened friendship and cooperation between the two kingdoms.
He said those historical bonds should inspire renewed collaboration among traditional authorities to preserve Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, promote tourism and support national development.
The Yagbonwura expressed gratitude to the Asantehene and the people of Asanteman for the warm reception accorded his delegation and wished the traditional council a successful Awukudae celebration.
He reaffirmed the Gonja Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining closer relations with the Asante Kingdom, saying stronger collaboration among traditional authorities would contribute significantly to peace, unity, and sustainable development across the country.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo
Reporter: Yussif Ibrahim
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