Apam (C/R), Oct. 2, GNA - The Omanhen of Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area, Obrifo Ahunaku Ahor Ankobea II has cautioned chiefs not to confer chieftaincy titles like Nkosuohen (Development Chief) on foreigners arbitrarily.

"The title is not for sale. but conferred on merit," he said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Apam on Thursday. He said the chieftaincy institution was a noble body, which portrayed the country's culture and must be protected jealously. Obrifo Ahor Ankobea expressed concern about allegations that some chiefs in the area are collecting monies from foreigners to give them chieftaincy titles, and cautioned the perpetrators not to drag the reputation of the institution into the mud.

He said the Nkusuohen title could be conferred on a foreigner if such a person had contributed meaningfully to the development of a community for a period of time, after which his or her background would be investigated and found to be of good standing. "You cannot just confer the title on any person just because he or she is financially sound," he said.

Obrifo Ankobea said henceforth the title would only be awarded if the traditional council approved of it. He noted that some of the foreigners who influence their way to get the chieftaincy titles might have ulterior motives and called for circumspection from the chiefs.

"We must not sell our rights for money, for they are worth more than what would be given to us," he said.