VR HOUSE OF CHIEFS’ ELECTION HALTED

A resident of Tema, Eddie Tetteh, has filled a writ at the Supreme Court against the Attorney General and the Electoral Commission seeking to restrain the conduct of any elections for the Volta Regional House of Chiefs.

Mr. Tetteh is seeking a declaration that section 66 (1) of the Chieftaincy Act 1971, Act 371 is inconsistent with and contravenes the Letter and Spirit of the Constitution, and that any elections to be held should be declared null and void and of no effect until the final determination of the writ.

Elections were supposed to have been held on Wednesday by the Regional House of Chiefs for the position of President, Vice President and five other members to represent the House at the National House of Chiefs but because of the writ served on the House, the elections had to be postponed indefinitely.

The three year term of the current President and his vice, Togbega Gabusu VI and Togbega Delume III respectively, has expired and Nana Mprah Besemuna III, Krachiwura, Togbe Afede XIV, Agogbomefia of Ho Asogli, and Nana Soglo Alloh IV, are vying for the Presidency and Vice Presidency of the House.

However, three Paramount Chiefs of the House were sworn in as rotational members. They are Togbe Akpasu XIII of Hodzo, Togbe Kwame Agli II of Dzalele, and Togbe Kosi Dzrah VII of Anfoeta.

A source at the Registry of the House who pleaded anonymity, told the Times that the leadership of the House wants their three year term to be extended for another year, hence the writ.

He said a petition was sent to the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture on the proposal in August this year, but there had been no response adding that “only a writ from the Supreme Court can stop the election and extend that term for another year.

            The Ghanaian Times                 Friday, October 12, 2007                     Back Page