Chief cautions former President Rawlings

Shama (W/R), Nov 13, GNA - Odeneho Gyapong Ababio, the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area, has said while the constitution did not allow chiefs to dabble in partisan politics, it would not be prudent for them to stand aloof particularly on political issues that bordered on the welfare and security of the people.

He told the Ghana News Agency in an interview at Shama on Saturday that some of the utterances of former President Jerry John Rawlings within and outside the country were "most unfortunate" due to the security implications.

"The people are now wide awake and it must not take former President Rawlings to tell them about levels of corruption if there were any and how to change their government".

Odeneho Gyapong Ababio appealed to former President Rawlings to help sell the good image of Ghana, especially as the country celebrates its 50th independence anniversary next year.

He appealed to Ghanaians to make unity, peace, national integration and development their ultimate goal and said people should not to do anything that would derail the prevailing peace and tranquillity in the country.

Odeneho Gyapong Ababio appealed to workers particularly teachers to exercise restraint and be "reasonably moderate and flexible" in their demand for higher salaries and better conditions of service. He said in all cases they must respect laid down rules and regulations when negotiating.

Odeneho Gyapong Ababio also urged chiefs to collaborate with the government in efforts to create employment and reduce poverty by doing away with petty squabbles, chieftaincy and land litigations that retarded development.

He said outmoded customary practices still remained a challenge to chieftaincy as an institution and called on chiefs to accept change and modernise these customs.