By Samuel Akumatey
Ho, 31 Oct. GNA – Mr Harry Attipoe, the Registrar of Volta Region House of Chiefs has called for collective support for the establishment of Traditional Councils, saying they remained crucial for the development of traditional areas.
He explained that the establishment of traditional Councils was a Constitutional provision enshrined in Act 759 Section 12 (1) of the Chieftaincy Act of 2008, giving the Councils the mandate to facilitate local administration and judicial arbitration, and should therefore be supported by all.
Mr Attipoe made the call at the inauguration of 14 new Councils in the Volta Region.
His call was based on some earlier resistance to the inauguration of Councils in certain areas, notably those with chieftaincy disputes, and the Registrar took pains at the various events to reiterate the importance of the roles of these Councils.
He stated that being a constitutional right, attempts to oppose the establishment could greatly affect growth and development of traditional areas.
“The traditional council is not the property of any Paramount Chief, family or clan. It is a constitutional privilege for every traditional area, and so whoever is against the council’s inauguration is against the development of the community,” he affirmed at each event.
The Registrar elaborated key functions of the Councils and called on all to make the most of its structures in resolving disputes and hosting development.
Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, in a speech read on his behalf by Mr Baafi Nsiah, the Chief Registrar at the Ministry, highlighted the role of Traditional authorities, and said the Government, in recognition, continued to promote the formation of these councils.
“The government led by his Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, attaches much prominence to the administration of Chieftaincy in the country. This is because the role of this key institution in maintaining peace and ensuring development at the grass root level cannot be underrated,” he said.
The Minister spoke of the extended benefits of the Council institution and stressed the need for unity in attaining the ideals.
“Certainly, there is a lot more work to be done, even as we strive collectively to resolve chieftaincy matters and expand our frontiers for development.
“The inauguration should be seen to integrate the people of this Traditional area, especially our revered Chiefs to work hand in hand for endless development but not to disintegrate you. We should be able to see progress and unity among you the next time we visit this Council,” he added.
Mr Asamoah Boateng further gave the assurance that the Ministry would ensure the posting of staff either on a temporary or permanent basis, to help with the administration and assist them with logistics.
“Your Council would also benefit from the series of trainings and engagements lined up in our (Ministries) activities and programmes earmarked for this year,” he added.
The Chief Registrar was accompanied by some top executives at the Ministry, and he commissioned council offices after the various inaugurations.
GNA