Togbe Afede XVI with his Vice, Dasebre Kwebu Ewusi
The National House of Chiefs has lauded government’s initiatives to transform Ghana, asserting that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s agenda to develop the country beyond aid is commendable.
President of the National House of Chiefs, Togbe Afede XIV, the chiefs were happy with the assertiveness of President Akufo-Addo to fight against corruption and achieve development for Ghanaians.
Speaking at the maiden general meeting of the house for this year at Kumasi, Togbe Afede indicated that he was personally excited about the President’s decision to appoint Martin Amidu as the Special Prosecutor.
In attendance were the Minister of Railway Development, Joe Gartey and one of his deputies, Adrew Appiah Kubi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, as well as the Chief Director and other officials of the Ministry.
The Paramount chief noted that the selection of the anti-graft crusader showed the commitment of the President to bring about the needed change to make Ghana work again in order to enhance the welfare of every Ghanaian.
According to Togbe Afede, Ghanaians, over the years, have fell short of living up to the dictates of the 1992 Republican Constitution, let alone the aspirations and vision of the nation’s forefathers.
“I am happy that the nation now has a leader, whose interest for transparent and accountable governance is unquestionable, what is needed is for the government to create the conditions for every Ghanaian to participate in the development of the country.
“It will require strength, change in attitudes. We have to eschew mediocrity, plan and work hard, invest in education, invest in the required infrastructure, give support to private initiatives and create conditions for all to participate,” the Paramount Chief of Asogli Traditional area stressed.
He pointed out that government must strengthen institutions and rule of law at all levels.
Togbe Afede also commended government for paying special attention to the railway sector, and noted that railway development would undoubtedly open up the country for investment and development, intimating that “the material development of Africa can be summed up under one word – transport.”
According to him, focus on the road, railway and aviation sectors would boost development and achieve positive results for the country and its citizens.
He stated that the activities of the National House of Chiefs, over the past year, have been geared towards strengthening the chieftaincy institution to play its role in the development process of the nation.
He touched on the numerous projects and initiatives undertaken by the House through its committees and mentioned in particular the renovation and furnishing of the National House of Chiefs’ hall, as well as the plan to construct an office complex.
Togbe expressed unhappiness with the reduction in the house’s budgetary allocation by government.
The good news is that the House has received the last quarter allocation following the timely intervention of the Chief of Staff, Frema Opare, he added.
From Ernest Kofi Adu, Kumasi