Boafo Explains Chieftaincy Ministry

Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, Sampson K. Boafo, has explained that the creation of his ministry is not a design by the government to interfere in the affairs of the chieftaincy institution.


"The ministry is intended to establish a smooth relationship between the institution and the Executive," he stated.

Mr. Boafo said this when he met with the members of the Western Region House of Chiefs here on Wednesday.

"This is not about interference. My ministry is to establish the requisite structures that will enable the chieftaincy institution to collaborate with the government and all stakeholders in traditional authority to ensure better living conditions for our people," he said.

Mr. Boafo said, it is his policy to carry out his responsibility through consultation with chiefs so that together "we can transform the institution of chieftaincy into a veritable vehicle for peace, stability and progress in the country."

He told the chiefs that the creation of the ministry was the result of suggestion by some chiefs. Besides, the institution is riddled with so many disputes that need to be resolved, he said, adding, "we need peace for development. I strongly believe that many disputes over chieftaincy in the Western Region should not be allowed to fester and disrupt the conductive environment for economic activities."

Mr. Boafo said that the Western Region is gifted with minerals and other natural resources from which the national income is derived and therefore, the government is concerned with the spate of chieftaincy disputes.

He said the numerous problems facing the chieftaincy institution cannot be resolved overnight and pledged to tackle them gradually.

The Regional Minister, Anthony Evans Amoah, said that chiefs, are symbols of unity, and therefore where there is chieftaincy dispute or litigation in any particular area development is brought to a standstill.

Mr. Amoah appealed to the chiefs to offer him "wise counsel" to ensure that all disputes are settled amicably.

Mr. Amoah appealed to the chiefs to release land for projects to be undertaken to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the country's independence and the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2008 soccer tournament.

The acting President of the House, Nana Nkoa Okumdom, said he was delighted that the house was fully represented, saying, "Lets forget the past and move ahead; if we do not stop the disputes development will suffer."