By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Sept. 10, GNA – His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has called on traditional and community leaders to ensure that authority becomes a tool for unity and development rather than a source of division among communities.
He said traditional authorities and community leadership structures must work closely together to promote peaceful coexistence, particularly in Zongo communities, while respecting the identity and leadership structures of such communities.
The Ga Mantse made the call at the Zongo Chiefs Conference, organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in Accra, on the theme: “The Zongo Development Agenda.” The conference focused on measures to redevelop Zongo communities and improve the livelihoods of their residents.
HRM Teiko Tsuru II said the theme was timely and aligned with the national agenda of creating space for non-state actors to contribute to discussions on the development of cities, towns and communities.
He said the participation of traditional authorities, community leaders and other stakeholders was essential to promoting national integration and ensuring that the development of Zongo communities formed an integral part of Ghana’s broader development agenda.
The Ga Mantse noted that Zongo communities had historically contributed significantly to Ghana’s social, cultural and economic development, adding that their diversity remained a strength that must be protected and harnessed for national progress.
HRM Teiko Tsuru II, who also doubles as President of the Ga Traditional Council, said the youth represented the future of Zongo communities and urged stakeholders to listen to their concerns, understand their frustrations and support their ambitions.
He cautioned that unemployment, poverty, exclusion and hopelessness could make young people vulnerable to crime, drug abuse, violence, extremism and other destructive influences.
“We cannot simply condemn young people after they have gone astray. We must create opportunities before they lose hope,” he added.
He called for increased investment in skills training, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, access to finance, sports development, digital skills, mentoring, career guidance, leadership development and employment partnerships with the private sector.
The Ga Mantse also called for greater investment in women in Zongo communities, describing them as traders, mothers, entrepreneurs, educators, caregivers and community builders who continued to support their families and communities despite difficult circumstances.
He urged stakeholders to improve women’s access to capital, business training, markets, digital technology, vocational skills, healthcare, and leadership opportunities.
“A community cannot develop fully if half of its population is not given the opportunity to participate fully,” he stressed.
He further called for a constructive relationship between Zongo community leadership and traditional authorities, saying Zongo communities should be allowed to maintain their identity and leadership structures while operating within the traditional and customary framework of the areas in which they were located.
The Ga Mantse stressed the need to establish effective channels of communication to address disputes and misunderstandings, stating that dialogue should be prioritised whenever disagreements arose.
He expressed the hope that the meeting would not become another gathering where speeches were delivered, and resolutions forgotten but would instead mark a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges confronting Zongo communities.
The President of the Ga Traditional Council urged stakeholders to stop merely complaining about the youth and invest in their education, skills and future.
He said Ghana’s differences should not be allowed to hinder its common development, urging all stakeholders to work together to build inclusive communities where every group had the opportunity to contribute to national progress.
GNA
Edited by Audrey Dekalu