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Government to compensate traditional councils adequately –
Boafo
Sunyani(BA), April 14, Ghanadot/GNA – The
Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture is dialoguing with the
appropriate authorities to ensure that traditional councils
are adequately compensated on lands released to government
for investments.
Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Sector Minister who disclosed this
said it would empower beneficiary councils to initiate and
execute development projects.
Mr Boafo who is on a four-day familiarization visit to
Brong-Ahafo Region was interacting with members of Sunyani
Traditional Council at Sunyani on Monday.
He would visit traditional and divisional councils in Tano
South and North Districts, Techiman and Dormaa
Municipalities, Asunafo North, Jaman South, Nkoranza,
Berekum and Asutifi Districts.
Mr Boafo explained that the chieftaincy institution was very
relevant and played a crucial role in national security and
development.
He said since chiefs were seen as the embodiment of the
people, it was necessary to contact them regularly in
initiating and executing programmes that would facilitate
development.
Mr Boafo said it was against this background that the
Ministry had drafted and laid before Parliament the
Chieftaincy Bill pending approval.
He said the bill when passed would help the Ministry to
organize series of capacity building workshops to update the
knowledge of traditional rulers.
Mr Boafo expressed concern about the perennial chieftaincy
disputes in the country and appealed to the National and 10
Regional Houses of Chiefs to collaborate with the Ministry
in resolving such disputes.
He commended traditional authorities for their immense
contribution towards national development and urged them to
help educate their subjects about the importance of ensuring
violent-free elections.
Mr Boafo said even though chiefs were barred from
participating actively in party politics by the 1992
Constitution, they could intervene to help avert potential
situations that could breed unnecessary tensions during the
impending elections.
Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II, Omanhene of Sunyani
Traditional Area, appealed to the Ministry to furnish
Regional Houses of Chiefs with computers.
He called for an increase in the allowances of chiefs and
salaries of staffs working in the traditional councils.
GNA
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