Stakeholders in the Chieftaincy institution have admitted that changing trends in science, technology and innovation have a bearing on traditional authority which is imbedded in traditions and customs.
Thus, traditional leaders are being encouraged to adapt to positive changes these new developments bring in a way that still protects the integrity of the institution.
The Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ebenezer Kojo Kom, has called on traditional leaders across the country to use their powers to bring about the necessary change in a way that positively affects education, the observation of certain rites and the performance of other activities.
He said the reason is avoid the continuous observance of traditions and customs that trample of the basic human rights of some people.
The Minister who doubles as the MP for Ahanta West encouraged traditional authority to actively participate and encourage the participation of their subjects in matters relating to development and contribution to development.
The Minister said this while addressing the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs at Wa. The Minister, Kojo Kom, was on a 4-day working visit to the Upper West Region. As part of his visit, the Minister visited some paramountcies in the region. The Minister used the opportunity to galvanise for support for government in its quest to address the continuous degradation of the environment.
“The degradation of our lands and natural resources has reached a height unknown in our history and government is making every effort to control and ensure proper management of the natural resources tream. We know that as traditional rulers, you are in the position to apply the necessary customary norms and rules to exert control and protection of our natural resources and the environment. Government is ever prepared to join and rely on you so we are able to protect the environment for ourselves and posterity.” He said.
The President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, Naa Dikomwine Domalae, on his part commended Government for the quick steps it took to fix the parts of the roads that were affected by heavy rains earlier this year. Naa Domalae however reminded government to fix all the major roads in the region.
“I wish to reiterate the point that I have been making over the years for a holistic overhaul of our roads. As a reminder, just to mention a few: the Wa-Tumu-Chiana road, the Hamile-Fielmuo-Tumu road, Jirapa-Domwine road, Ko-Nandom road, Nandom-Lambussie-Zini-Gwollu road, Wa-Dorimon-Wechiau road, Issa-Wahabu-Tumu road, Wa-Charia-Takpo-Charikpong road and the Wa-Sawla road.” He said.
The President of the Regional House of Chiefs cautioned residents in the region to be wary of bush fires as the region nears the harmattan season.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
