By Kekeli K. Blamey, GNA
Sogakope (V/R), Sept 14, GNA – The National Queenmothers’ Platform (QMP) – Ghana has urged Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, to strengthen the participation of queenmothers in traditional governance.
The Platform said the meaningful inclusion of Queen Mothers in decisions affecting their communities was essential to strengthening the traditional institution, promoting peace and advancing community development.
The call was contained in their congratulatory message to the Minister, and signed by Nana Amponsah Dokua III, the President of the QMP–Ghana and Paramount Queen Mother of the Osudoku Traditional Area; and Nana Ansua, the Executive Secretary and Paramount Queen Mother of the Drobo Traditional Area.
The Platform congratulated Mr Ayariga, who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and former Majority Leader, on his appointment, describing it as recognition of his experience, competence and commitment to public service.
It expressed confidence that the Minister would bring his experience to bear on issues confronting traditional institutions and contribute to promoting peaceful and effective chieftaincy administration.
The queenmothers said they were encouraged by the appointment because Mr Ayariga was familiar with issues concerning the traditional institution and its role in maintaining peace, unity and development.
They identified persistent chieftaincy disputes in some traditional areas as a major concern, saying the conflicts had, in some instances, undermined peace, social cohesion and development.
The Platform therefore called for renewed efforts to address longstanding chieftaincy disputes and strengthen mechanisms for peaceful resolution of conflicts.
It also raised concerns about alleged intimidation, undue pressure and interference faced by some Queen Mothers in the discharge of their traditional responsibilities.
The queenmothers further expressed concern over their exclusion from decisions affecting their communities, despite their role in the traditional institution and contributions to peacebuilding and development.
They said such practices could undermine the authority and effectiveness of queenmothers and limit their contribution to community and national development.
The Platform appealed to Mr Ayariga to help create an enabling environment for queenmothers to perform their traditional and developmental roles with dignity and without intimidation or undue interference.
It said strengthening the voice and participation of Queen Mothers would make the traditional institution more inclusive and enhance its contribution to peace and development.
The QMP–Ghana pledged its support and cooperation to the Minister and expressed readiness to work with the Ministry and other stakeholders to promote peace, unity and the strengthening of traditional institutions.
The Platform expressed confidence that Mr Ayariga’s tenure would bring renewed attention to the concerns of Queen Mothers and help address challenges confronting traditional areas across the country.
It wished the Minister success in his new role and reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Ministry in advancing effective traditional governance and national development.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah