A scene during the launch
Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Odoley Sowah has urged Ghanaians, especially the youth, to continue to revere chieftaincy institution in spite of cultural dynamics in modern society.
The minister, who made the call at the launch of the Ghana Chieftaincy Awards and Royal Investment Summit in Accra, said chiefs continue to play an important role in the development of the country, hence the need for society to support them to achieve their role as development partners.
“We sometimes do not accord chiefs respect as it was in the past, but I will appeal to all of us, particularly the youth, to hold them in high esteem because they are still very relevant in everything we do as a country.
“We need to assist them to be able to perform their role very well as development partners, especially in promoting peace in our communities. My Ministry will be able to function effectively with the support of the chiefs,” she added.
She, however, appealed to the chiefs to support the queen mothers in their efforts to train the youth, especially the girl child, in their respective communities.
Chief Executive Officer of the Obokese Foundation, Nana Obokese Ampah, organisers of the Ghana Chieftaincy Awards, for his part said chiefs should not only be seen as guardians of culture and tradition but a vehicle for transformation.
According to him, chiefs have over the years led efforts to restructure the country’s land tenure system, protect the environment as well as promote peace in areas where there are little presence of political power.
He said chiefs as custodians of communities should therefore be adequately resourced and given the necessary recognition that would enable them function effectively, even in an era where political power seems more dominant in most communities.
President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefuo Amoakwa Boadu VIII, said chieftaincy institution has continuously served as a unifying force in promoting stability and development as well as in social control mechanism in pre-colonial days and post-colonial era.
While commending other institutions for supporting the chieftaincy institution over the years, he mentioned that more work need to be done to enhance their role, while commending the organisers for the awards.
“Chiefs are maintaining law and order, resolving disputes, bringing peace to families at little or no cost, serving as economic agents, providing development, so let’s continue to revere them though there is more to be done,” he added.
The launch brought together chiefs from various parts of the country, including Paramount Chief of Abeadze Traditional Area and Board Chairman of the Ghana Chieftaincy Awards, Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, among other notable individuals.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah