Forum on chieftaincy ends

New-Akwidaa (W/R), Feb 7, GNA- Participants at a day's seminar organised by the NCCE at New-Akwidaa in the Ahanta West district on measures to curb chieftaincy disputes have called on chiefs to lead lives worthy of emulation to reverse the situation. They attributed the numerous incidents of chieftaincy disputes in the area to fragrant disregard for traditional norms and practices, falsehood and dishonesty on the part of some Paramount Chiefs for their selfish gains.

The seminar was the last of series of such forums organised for chiefs, queen mothers, and heads of families, assembly members, religious leaders and other opinion leaders in six area councils in the district. The one-week programme, which was in collaboration with the UNDP, was on the theme: "Entrenching peace for development".

Ms Sophia Horner-Sam, Deputy Western Regional Minister, addressing the closing ceremony reminded chiefs that they had a major role to promote and sustain peace among the people because chieftaincy disputes accounted for most conflicts in the communities.

She noted that succession to vacant stools and skins were the causes of most disputes that sometimes resulted in serious conflicts.

"You have the duty to ensure that you comport yourselves in a way that will promote peace and minimise conflicts so that you can lead the people to carry out their development agenda and save the vulnerable in society from undue trauma".

Ms Horner-Sam said the constitution recognises chieftaincy as a very honourable institution and occupants of stools and skins should not do anything to destroy the image of chieftaincy. Mr Kwaku Baa Owusu, NCCE regional director noted that peace was essential for steady development.

He said in order for society to live on without destroying itself, people should learn to adopt and adjust to arrangements that would enhance peace and understanding.

Neenyi Ackon Agyeefi VI, Odikro of Efutu Osubonpanyin in the Central Region who spoke on "Codification of line of succession, an antidote to chieftaincy conflicts", said it was necessary to clarify procedures in certain aspects of chieftaincy to curtail litigation. He stressed the need to codify the line of succession to all stools and skins to serve as authentic document for instructions and reference for claimants to stools and skins.

Mr. Kwame Amo, NCCE district director, appealed to chiefs in the district to cooperate with stakeholders to find lasting solution to the numerous chieftaincy disputes in the area.