'Be cautious in destooling chiefs'

The Omanhene of Nsein traditional area in the Nzema East district of the Western Region, Awulae Agyemfi Kwame II, has launched the 40th anniversary celebration of his enstoolment with a call on kingmakers to be circumspect in taking decisions involving the destoolment of chiefs.

He said some kingmakers, perhaps under the influence of financial inducements, hurriedly destool chiefs on 'flimsy" grounds to pave way for natives of the land residing outside the country. Unfortunately, he said, these new chiefs may end up disappointing the people since they may be too occupied with their work outside the country. Most of these new chiefs, he said, may also not be abreast with the customs and traditions of the area to enable them rule the people effectively.

Speaking at the Nsein Secondary School assembly hall at the weekend where his year-long anniversary was launched, the 65 year old chief appealed to kingmakers to always point out the mistakes of their chiefs and advise them accordingly. He also appealed to kingmakers to exercise restraint and team up with their chiefs, particularly, Paramount chiefs for the development of their areas.

Awulae also used the occasion to advise chiefs against meddling in active partisan politics. He noted that the "uncalled-for attitude” of some chiefs who openly mount platforms to declare the unflinching support of their subjects for a particular political party as well as spending money and time campaigning for such parties should be nipped in the bud. Chiefs, he said, should rather support the government of the day to ensure the systematic development of their areas and the nation as a whole.

In an address, the chairman for the occasion, Nana Kobena Nketsiah V, said the Nsein Omanhene, who has championed the course of development, serves as a role model for young and up-coming chiefs.

He therefore charged Awulae to use his subsequent years on the stool to further promote the developmental agendas of his traditional area and the Western Region.

The Essikado Omanhene noted that Awulae's dream would only become a reality when chiefs in the region bury their differences, resolve all chieftaincy disputes and unite, adding that no meaningful development could take place without the involvement of nananom.

The District Chief Executive for Nzema East, Joshua Kwagyaa Enlimah, commended Awulae for his honesty and courage, and assured him of the assembly's support towards the successful celebration of his anniversary.

Awulae Agyemfi Kwame II, known in private life as Abraham Kojo Fase, has served two consecutive terms as the President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and the vice-chairman of the National House of Chiefs. A teacher by profession and a commercial farmer, Awulae has also served as the chairman of the Nzema Manle Council and the Western Regional Centre for National Culture.

He has served on numerous boards including the National Advisory Board off the Ministry of Local Government, the Museums and Monument Board and the Ghana Railway Company Limited.. He is currently the chairman of the Association of Chiefs on Whose Lands Ghana Rubber Estates Limited Operates.

Activities drawn up for his 40th anniversary celebration on the Nsein Stool include symposia, clean up exercises and holding of grand durbars to raise funds for a number of development projects in the area.