‘Chieftaincy institution is relevant to Ghana’s devt.’
Story: Collins Agyekum- Gyasi, Tepa
THE Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Hannah Tetteh, has stated that the chieftaincy institution is relevant in the socio-economic development of the country today as it was in the past.
Speaking at a grand durbar to commemorate the 10th anniversary of to enstoolment of the Tepahene, Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem at Tepa in the Ashanti Region, Ms Tetteh said the benefits inherent in the institution outweighed the drawbacks.
She said “Today, it looks as if there is a late competition among chiefs of what they can do to improve the lot of their people”
The durbar was marked with rich culture. In attendance were a large number of chiefs, former President John Agyekum Kufuor and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate for the 2012 general elections, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo–Addo.
The theme for the celebration for the celebration was “10 years of quality leadership; promoting the welfare of the people.”
Ms Tetteh stated that the chiefs were at the fore front in the struggle for independence and had preserved the people’s cultural identity of which the nation was proud.
She said the institution had undergone silent reforms as governance had become more demanding.
The minister said since the Constitution recognized chieftaincy as sacred and the role it could play in enhancing socio-economic development, chiefs nonetheless were recognized as key partners and agents of development in the country.
“They have assisted the government in the provision of the social amenities such as hospitals, schools, police barracks, potable water, environmental sanitation among others “she said.
Ms Tetteh advised chiefs not only to be rulers over their subjects but they must also be honest, forward looking, inspiring, and intelligent citizens, and above all should be pillars around who their people could be mobilized for the development of the country .
She commended Nana Ampem, the traditional council and the people of Tepa for the peace in the area and urged them to keep it up.
The Minister described the Omanhene for demonstrating great leadership skills and assured him of the governments support.
Nana Ampem in a brief speech said the praises showered on him were as a result of the support he enjoyed from his people.
A book on the Omanhene’s 10 years reign was launched, the proceeds of which would be used for the development of the local nurses’ training school.
*Source:
Daily Graphic Page: 43 Monday, November 29. 2010
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