Chiefs want role in national governance clearly defined

The National House of Chiefs (NHC) has initiated moves to get the Chieftaincy Act, (Act 759) of 2008, amended, and the roles of chiefs in national governance clearly defined.

Togbe Afede XIV, its President, who dropped the hint, said they were eager to become an integral part of the governance process and the development agenda of the nation.

He was addressing the first meeting of the House for the year in Kumasi on Tuesday.

He said as part of elaborate efforts to garner public support a number of meetings had already been held with the diplomatic community, the transitional team, identifiable groups and organisations.

He indicated that the chief’s role and influence was vital for the implementation of the government’s development programmes - to improve the lives of the people and enhance their living conditions.

Togbe Afede announced that the House had constituted six committees to drive its planned agenda of making chiefs more relevant to the aspirations of the people.

These are in the areas of “research and traditional affairs”, “land, natural resources and environment”, “finance and infrastructure”, “external relations, legal affairs” and “governance and development”.

Togbe Afede applauded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo for his expressed commitment to working closely with them to push the country forward.

His pledge to ensure transparency in governance, create opportunities and prosperity for all Ghanaians was also refreshing, he added.

He rallied his colleague chiefs to continue to work hard and with energy to mobilize resources in support of the development activities of the House.