Togbe Tepre Hodo IV (L) with James Gunu
The President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Anfoega Traditional Area, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, has called for stronger accountability and improved cooperation between public institutions and traditional authorities in the region.
Speaking during an engagement with the Volta Regional Minister in Ho, he commended the Minister for maintaining open communication with traditional leaders.
however, he expressed concern about what he described as poor collaboration from some heads of government departments.
He said chiefs often struggle to obtain timely information and support from public officials, despite their central role in local governance and community development efforts across the region.
According to him, the situation undermines development coordination and weakens trust between traditional authorities and public sector actors.
“You are public servants, but sometimes it appears as though you are our overlords,” Togbe Tepre Hodo IV bemoaned, stressing the need for a shift in attitude among state officials.
He warned that the House of Chiefs may begin summoning heads of departments to account for their performance and responsiveness to requests from traditional leaders.
He stated that such a step would be necessary if cooperation does not improve, particularly in addressing development challenges at the local level.
The chief linked his appeal to broader national reform efforts, referencing calls for a “reset” in governance and urging that accountability must begin with public sector leadership.
He emphasised that traditional authorities remain committed to partnering government and public institutions to advance development and improve livelihoods across communities.
However, he insisted that this partnership must be built on mutual respect, transparency and effective communication.
The House of Chiefs, he added, will continue to support development initiatives but will no longer tolerate what he described as lukewarm responses from public officials when assistance is requested.
Togbe Tepre Hodo IV reaffirmed the readiness of traditional leaders to work closely with government to ensure that development projects are effectively implemented across the Volta Region.
From Daniel K Orlando, Ho