By Michael Pepsin Avorgah
Agbozume (V/R), Sept. 28, GNA – Torgbiga Adamah III, the Paramount Chief of the Somè Traditional Area and President of the Somè Traditional Council, has called for clear policy guidelines defining the respective duties, responsibilities and limits of authority of traditional authorities and local government institutions.
He said such a framework was necessary to strengthen cooperation between chiefs, traditional councils, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) and other local government institutions and prevent unnecessary conflicts in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Torgbiga Adamah made the call at the grand durbar of the Somètutuza 2026 at Agbozume, where he said the decision to place chieftaincy and local government under one ministry provided an opportunity for closer collaboration between the two institutions.
He, however, said the arrangement needed to be supported by clearly defined guidelines to establish the respective roles and limits of authority of traditional and local government structures.
“I therefore appeal to the Government to provide clear guidelines for cooperation between traditional authorities and local government officials. Such a framework will prevent unnecessary conflict and promote mutual respect, harmony, and effective service to our people,” he said.
The Paramount Chief said his call was partly informed by his experience within the Ketu South Municipality, where he had, on some occasions, drawn the attention of the Municipal Chief Executive to actions he considered inappropriate or contrary to the interests of the people.
He said some of his concerns had been met with offence and disrespectful remarks, adding that disagreements between public officials and traditional leaders should instead be resolved through respectful dialogue.
Torgbiga Adamah said clear institutional guidelines would help provide a basis for resolving such differences and ensure that both traditional and local government authorities worked towards the common interests of the people.
The Paramount Chief also reaffirmed the political neutrality of traditional authorities, saying chiefs had no intention of interfering in the internal affairs of political parties.
He said traditional authorities, however, remained interested in the quality of leadership offered to the people, particularly as political parties prepared towards the 2028 general election.
“As traditional authorities, we remain politically neutral and do not intend to interfere in the internal affairs of any political party,” he said.
He appealed to political parties and their delegates to consider the integrity, competence and ability of prospective leaders to unite the constituency when choosing candidates.
Torgbiga Adamah urged delegates to prioritise the long-term development of Ketu South over immediate personal benefits or financial inducements.
He said the constituency needed leaders committed to peace, employment, infrastructure and sustainable development and assured that the Traditional Authority was prepared to cooperate with duly elected representatives who respected traditional institutions and demonstrated commitment to the welfare of the people.
Torgbiga Adamah also commended Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, for what he described as his consistent respect for chiefs and traditional authorities.
He said the Minister’s willingness to engage traditional leaders respectfully contributed to peace, cooperation and development in the region.
“I wish to use this august occasion to commend the Regional Minister for the respect he consistently shows to chiefs and traditional authorities,” he said.
He encouraged Mr Gunu to continue with what he described as a worthy example of engagement between government and traditional authorities.
Beyond governance, Torgbiga Adamah said the development of the Somè Traditional Area required cooperation among the Traditional Authority, Municipal Assembly, government, private sector and development partners.
He identified challenges including inadequate potable water, coastal erosion, inadequate public facilities and environmental degradation as areas requiring collective action.
He also called for greater investment in education, employable skills, mentorship, agriculture, fisheries, information technology and salt-based industries to create opportunities for the youth.
The Somètutuza, he said, should not be limited to cultural celebration but should also renew the people’s commitment to unity, service and development.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah