By Frank Kwame Abbor, GNA
Ho, Aug. 28, GNA – Mr Richmond Edem Kofi Kpotosu, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ho Central, has called for stronger collaborations between traditional authorities and state institutions to accelerate development in the constituency.
He said chiefs and queenmothers remained critical partners in local development because of their roles as custodians of the land, culture, history and values of their communities.
Mr Kpotosu made the call when he addressed chiefs and queenmothers during an engagement with the Ho Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and traditional authorities in Ho on Thursday.
He commended the traditional authorities for their contribution to maintaining peace and stability in the Ho Central Constituency and the Municipality, saying their wisdom and mediation had helped promote harmonious community relations.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank you for the peace and stability that reign in Ho Central Constituency and, indeed, across Ho Municipality,” he said.
The MP said development was a shared responsibility and pledged to work closely with traditional authorities to address challenges confronting the constituency, particularly in education, healthcare, roads, sanitation and economic empowerment for young people and women.
He urged the chiefs and queenmothers to use the engagement as an open platform to freely raise concerns affecting their communities and offer suggestions that could inform development interventions.
Mr Kpotosu assured the traditional authorities that his office remained open to their concerns and would continue to engage them in the interest of the people.
Mr Henry Yao Amesimeku, Municipal Coordinating Director of the Ho Municipal Assembly, said effective local governance and development required the active participation of traditional authorities and other stakeholders.
He said chiefs, custodians and owners of community lands, as well as religious leaders and other community stakeholders, played important roles in deepening local democracy and promoting development.
Mr Amesimeku said the engagement formed part of efforts by the Assembly to obtain first-hand views from traditional authorities on development issues and use their advice to improve its programmes and interventions.
He assured the chiefs and queenmothers that the Assembly would take their suggestions and constructive criticisms on board to help improve the lives of residents and advance development in the Municipality.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benamba