- Advertisement -

We need to document succession plans for chiefs to prevent conflicts – Kotintaabig chief

- Advertisement -

The chief of Kotintaabig under the Sakote Traditional Area, Naba Bilheesong Lagwongt, is calling on traditional authorities to properly document succession plans for chiefs. This, according to Naba Lagwongt, would go a long way to prevent unnecessary conflicts that have riddled traditional areas across the country. 

A properly thought through and documented succession plan is essential for maintaining peace, the chief of Kotintaabig said when he spoke on A1 Radio’s forum on peacebuilding and conflict management. 

“It is time that we have a [succession] plan. In the event that there’s no chief, how do we replace him?” he asked. 

The chief of Kotintaabig argued that one of the requirements for one to be considered for the position of chief should be a certain minimum level of education. If this happens, chiefs, according to Naba Lagwongt, “would be able to read the basic things in life and be able to apply them in chieftaincy.”

He also explained that chiefs in the Upper East Region may have lost reverence. He explained that in times before, the chieftaincy institution used to be the most respected institution. Additionally, chiefs used to wield enough power to ensure that there was sanity, civility and peace within their jurisdiction. 

Naba Lagwongt explained that chiefs used to be considered fair and objective arbiters when conflicts arose. 

“In conflict issues, there are issues that are sent to the courts and people say they do not get justice and they would take up arms. They would think that that is the only way to solve the problem. But gone are the days, our chieftaincy institutions were revered. They normally say, Our revered chiefs. Do we still have the revered chiefs these days? What has happened that the revered chiefs we are beginning to lose track?”

Background

A1 Radio, a subsidiary of Agreed Best Communication Limited, recently partnered with the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocesan Development Office (NABOCADO) to organise a peacebuilding and conflict management roundtable discussion in Bolgatanga, the capital of the Upper East Region. The aim of the event was to provide a platform for stakeholders to share their experiences and discuss strategies for mitigating the pockets of conflicts in the region.

During the roundtable discussion, the Chief Director of the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, Alhaji Abubakari Inusah, emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence in the region and called on all stakeholders to work towards achieving this goal. The Regional Director for the Upper East Regional Commission for Civic Education, Mawuli Agbenu, also highlighted the need for continuous education and sensitization of the public on the roles they can play in promoting peace and resolving conflicts.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Regional Chairman for the Peace Council, Alhaji Sumaila Issaka, and the Executive Secretary of the Peace Council, Ali Anankpieng. Theophilus Abolga, the representative from NABOCADO, also attended the discussion, along with traditional leaders such as the Paramount Chief of Sirigu, Naba Roland Akwara III, and the Chief of Kotintaabig, Naba Bilheesong Langwaht. IT Expert and CEO of Norgence, Albert Naa, also participated in the event.

The peace building and conflict management roundtable discussion was a collaborative effort between A1 Radio and NABOCADO, aimed at fostering peace and stability in the Upper East Region. The event was well-attended and received positive feedback from participants, who lauded the organisers for their efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence in the region.

The roundtable discussion was moderated by A1 Radio’s Mark Smith.

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana

- Advertisement -

MOST POPULAR

- Advertisement -

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related news

- Advertisement -