His Majesty Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I with Stephen Asamoah Boateng in Damongo
The Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, His Majesty Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jews Soale I, has commended the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, also known as Asabee, for initiating the review process of the Chieftaincy Act 2008, Act 759.
According to him, the initiative is in the right direction because the law serves humanity and tradition adding that the chieftaincy institution will support his leadership to achieve his purpose as Minister.
Addressing a gathering when the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs paid a courtesy call on him at his residence, the Yagbonwura said the Savannah Region has 22 working paramount seats and out of these they have 6 traditional councils and thus requested for the creation of additional traditional councils in the Savannah region.
He said the creation of the councils will enhance governance and administrative work and the effective decentralization of the chieftaincy institution in the region.
The Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, called for ceasefire noting that he and his brother, the Nayiri of Mamprugu needs peace at Lukula in the North Gonja District.
“Mr. Minister, the government machinery intervention is highly profiled in this matter. My son, I am calling on you with the greatest of concern for effective collaboration with key stakeholders to find lasting solution to the Lukula conflict. The people of Gonja and Mamprugu need peace,” he stressed.
The Yagbonwura noted that the biggest legacy of the Chieftaincy Minister will be the construction of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs office complex and called on him to work towards it.
“The regional house of chiefs has held meetings under trees and at borrowed premises. As president of the House, I am making a passionate appeal and a clarion call for pragmatic steps to be taken in the construction of the office complex,” he said.
He also disclosed that many of the conflicts between the Kingdoms is a matter of clear boundary issues.
“Let me share with you the predicaments of the Jantong traditional area. The Bavim Lana of Dagbon is trespassing on his boundaries of the Jantong Dakpemyili of Gonja and this is also a potential conflict issue and needs immediate corrective action,” he added.
Mr. Boateng lauded the Yagbonwura for his continuous support and collaborations with other kingdoms to ensure that there is peace between them.
He reiterated that the chieftaincy institution is vital to the development of the country, reason why the ministry is working to review the Chieftaincy Act.
“Power will be given to you again because it helps solve problems for all of us. The government cannot have solutions to everything and so, in some areas, our chiefs and traditional leaders must take control and ensure discipline in our society and for me as the minister it is my responsibility to bring back that tradition that holds us together and makes us more disciplined,” he said.
He assured the Yagbonwura that the traditional councils will be expanded and inaugurated with some authority given to them so that they can help run the kingdom.
Mr. Boateng stated that the government will engage the various kingdoms to find solutions to the boundary issues between the Gonjas, Mamprusis and Dagombas in order to prevent any future disturbances.
By Eric Kombat, Damongo