Kufuor calls for mutual respect between political system and chieftaincy

Accra, May 21, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor has emphasized the need for continued accommodation and respect between the modern political system and chieftaincy institution to promote Africa's development. Chiefs, he said, should support the modern political arrangement using their shared values to bring about more cohesion in the society. President Kufuor was speaking during a courtesy call on him by the Kabaga of Buganda in Uganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi.

The King from Uganda is in the country as a special guest of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who marked nine years of his ascension to the Golden Stool with an Akwasidae celebration last Sunday. The two, with the shared history of having their predecessors exiled to the Seychelles Island in the 19th Century for standing against British colonialism, used the occasion not only to renew the strong links between their Kingdoms but also discussed the project of working with their other traditional rulers to push Africa's development agenda. President Kufuor counselled that aspects of traditions and customs that were retrogressive to society must recede into history. He expressed his happiness about the decision of the two leaders to

unite with others to assist to speed up the pace of progress of the continent. President Kufuor noted that Africa had reached a period where traditional leaders had managed to combine tradition with Western education, something that stood them in good position to play crucial roles in society. He said: "We are proud you are a living memory of where we are coming from. You are one of the few monarchies left in our continent to remind the world that Africa has history and cultures. "Africans must be proud of ourselves and we receive you as Prince of Africa." The Kabaka commended the Government for the recognition and support given to chiefs, which was enabling them to make significant contributions towards nation building. He said he and the Asantehene agreed to strengthen the values and linkages between African keepers of traditional heritage, mentioning among them the Kings of South Africa, Swaziland, Nigeria.