By: Jones Anlimah
The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has inaugurated 6 out of fourteen newly established Traditional Councils in the Volta Region. The inauguration of these traditional councils marks a significant development for traditional leadership and local governance in the region.
The Chief Registrar at the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr. Baafi Nsiah, who performed the series of inaugurations, stated that the establishment and inauguration of the Traditional Councils reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening traditional governance and promoting local development in the Volta Region.
The establishment and inauguration of the Traditional Councils in the Volta Region are in fulfillment of Section 12(1) of the Chieftaincy Act of 2008, Act 759, which mandates the creation of traditional councils within each traditional area.
A total of 14 newly established Traditional Councils are to be inaugurated. So far, six have been inaugurated as at the time of filing this story, including Agotime, Ave-Dakpa, Agave, Sopkoe, Anfoeta, and Klefe Traditional Councils. The remaining councils, including Botoku, Kpedze, Sokode, Akrofu, Kpenoe, Takla, Kpalime, and Kome-Shime, are expected to be inaugurated in the coming days.
The inauguration of the six councils was accompanied by the opening of offices from which the councils will operate.
Members of the various councils were sworn in by judges in the districts where the councils were established.
At the inauguration of the Agotime Traditional Council in the Agotime-Ziope District of the Volta Region, the Kornor of Agotime and President of the Agotime Traditional Council, Nene Keteku, expressed his pride in the establishment of the council.
He emphasized its role as a platform to safeguard the customs and traditions of the Agotime people while promoting peace, unity, and progress. “This council will serve as a repository of our customs and traditions,” he said.
He added, “This is a new beginning to streamline the chieftaincy institution in Agotime and a platform for meaningful discourse on peace and unity. Together, we shall uphold the values of justice, integrity, and harmony that our forebears instilled in us. Let us pledge ourselves to serve our people with humility, transparency, and accountability at all times.”
The District Chief Executive of Agotime-Ziope District, Emelia Emefa Adzimah, highlighted the importance of the council in facilitating local development and encouraged the youth to actively participate in community growth. She stressed the need to blend tradition with modern opportunities for a prosperous future.
“As key stakeholders in development, I hope to count on your wise counsel for the socio-economic development of our dear district. Let me remind us all that the 2024 general elections are two months away, and we must ensure peaceful elections. I am convinced that we will maintain the peace that we are all enjoying in the country,” she remarked.
Mr. Baafi Nsiah, Chief Registrar at the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, said chieftaincy institutions are key to the country’s national identity and development. He emphasized the government’s support for traditional authorities across the country. “Certainly, there is a lot of work to be done as we strive collectively to resolve chieftaincy matters and expand our frontiers for development. We should expect to see unity and progress the next time we visit this Traditional Council,” he said.
He expressed hope that the new councils will serve as platforms for resolving conflicts and promoting peace and development. “On our part as a ministry, we will ensure the posting of staff, either temporary or permanent, to help with administration and assist you with the necessary logistics. The council will also benefit from a series of training and engagement sessions lined up in the Ministry’s activities for 2024. Special attention will be given to your council to ensure its progress and sustainability,” Mr. Nsiah noted.
The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs hopes that the councils will serve as essential partners in promoting cultural heritage and work closely with government institutions to drive sustainable development in their respective communities.
