The Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng has mounted a campaign to establish chieftaincy institutions as the fulcrum of local development.
He says this could be achieved by allocating funds to traditional authorities in the various parts of the country.
He believes this move, which is currently ongoing, will enhance development in local areas as traditional authorities would have access to the needed funds to developmental projects within traditional areas, as well as strengthen their capacity-building.
“As a show of support, and as a means of ensuring sustainable financing for our Chiefs and Traditional Authorities, the Government is in the process of establishing Chieftaincy Development Fund to enable them play their roles as leaders in their communities.”
“It is high time; we made the chieftaincy institution the fulcrum around which local development evolves,” he added.
Additionally, he served notice about the review sections of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759) and the Legislative Instruments (L.I 798) to reflect the current trend of events, as well as restore some powers to our traditional leaders.
The Minister was speaking at the “Ahoho Da” Durbar at the Manhyia Palace on April 24, 2024.
The event, as part of his Silver Jubilee Celebrations, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II hosted 43 ethnic groups domiciled on his land.
It was an opportunity for the various groups to exhibit their tradition and culture before the King as well as pay homage to him on the “Ahoho Da”.
It was also an affirmation of the bond and friendship between Asanteman and these groups.
Present at the event were dignitaries including Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi, the President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area; Naa Puowele Karbo III, the Vice President of the National House of Chiefs and the Paramount Chief of the Lawra Traditional Area in the Upper West Region; and the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng.
Source: Opemsuo