Cape Coast, Jan. 31, GNA – Mr Daniel Botwe, Minister of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development (MLGDRD), has charged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to build a harmonious relationship with traditional authorities as indispensable allies to effective decentralization.
He said traditional authorities had been involved in the development of their various areas since pre-colonial times, settling disputes, codifying customary laws, organising communal labour and facilitating socio-economic development.
Therefore, there was the need for all MMDCEs and staff to engage and create cordial relationships with their respective traditional authorities to improve the well-being of the citizenry.
Mr Botwe said this when he paid a courtesy call on Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area, on Monday in Cape Coast.
The visit was to officially inform the Traditional Council about a three-day sensitization workshop for MMDCEs in Central, Eastern and Western regions in Cape Coast.
He was accompanied by Mrs Justina Marigold Assan, Central Regional Minister, Dr Nana Ato Arthur, Head of Local Government Service, Mr Akoto Danso, Chief Technical Adviser of MLGDRD, among a host of MMDCEs and Central Regional Executives of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The engagement, which began on Sunday, January 30, sought to orient the MMDCEs on their roles, responsibilities and introduce them to government flagship programmes, provide a common platform for experience sharing and energize them to improve performance.
Mr Botwe commended the traditional authorities for their contributions over the years, saying their views reflected the critical happenings on the ground and encouraged them to mobilize their people to support and participate effectively in government programmes.
“The Chieftaincy institution is more relevant today than in time past when Chiefs were regarded as mere custodians of the culture and traditions of their people.
“The institution has taken on board developmental issues in addition to its custodian responsibilities and traditional rulers had become development agents both at the local and central government levels,” he noted.
In his welcoming remarks, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, commended the Ministry’s commitment to empowering the MMDCEs and staff for effective performance.
“Training of MMDCEs is essential for optimal performance and effective functioning of the structure of local government,” Osabarima added.
GNA