Do not oppose the establishment of traditional councils – Harry Attipoe

By Samuel Akumatey

Ho, Oct 31 GNA – Mr Harry Attipoe, the Clerk of the House of Chiefs in the Volta Region has called for collective support for the establishment of Traditional Councils, saying they remain crucial to the development of traditional areas.

He explained that the establishment of Traditional Councils was a constitutional provision enshrined in Act 759 Section 12 (1) of the Chieftainship Act 2008 giving the Councils the mandate to facilitate local governance and judicial arbitration and should therefore be supported by all .

Mr. Attipoe called for the inauguration of 14 new Councils in the Volta Region.

His appeal was based on previous resistance to the inauguration of Councils in certain areas, particularly those with chieftaincy disputes, and the Registrar was at various events to reiterate the importance of the roles of these Councils.

He stated that being a constitutional right, attempts to oppose the establishment could greatly affect the growth and development of traditional areas.

“The traditional council is not the property of any paramount chief, family or clan. It is a constitutional privilege for every traditional area, so whoever is against the inauguration of the council is against the development of the community,” he stated at every event.

The Registrar elaborated on the key functions of the Councils and asked everyone to make the most of its structures in resolving disputes and hosting development.

Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, in a speech read on his behalf by Mr. Baafi Nsiah, the Chief Registrar of the Ministry, highlighted the role of traditional authorities and said that the government, in recognition, continued to promote the formation these councils.

“The government led by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo attaches great importance to the administration of the chief in the country. This is because the role of this key institution in maintaining peace and ensuring development at grassroots level cannot be underestimated,” he said.

The Minister spoke about the extensive benefits of the institution of the Council and emphasized the need for unity in achieving ideals.

“Certainly, much remains to be done, even as we collectively strive to resolve chieftaincy issues and expand our frontiers for development.

“The inauguration should be seen to integrate the people of this Traditional area, especially our revered chiefs, to work hand in hand for endless development but not to disintegrate. We should be able to see progress and unity between you next time we visit this Council,” he added.

Mr. Asamoah Boateng further assured that the Ministry will ensure the secondment of staff either temporarily or permanently to assist the administration and assist with logistics.

“Your council would also benefit from the series of trainings and engagements provided in our (ministries’) allocated activities and programs for this year,” he added.

The Chief Clerk was accompanied by several top executives of the Ministry and commissioned offices in the council after the various inaugurations.

GNA