Bolgatanga, June 15, GNA - President of Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, Pe Charles Awia Awampaga II has cautioned politicians to refrain from interfering in chieftaincy matters.

He noted that political interference in chieftaincy affairs was a major cause of chieftaincy disputes in the country.

Pe Awampaga II, who gave the advice at the Regional House of Chiefs meeting, held in Bolgatanga at the weekend, asked politicians to focus on development instead of interfering in chieftaincy issues, adding that chiefs were capable of handling their own affairs.

He appealed to chiefs in the region to conscience the people in the region to participate in the impending population and housing census, and encourage members in their communities who have attained 18 years and above to register in the voters' registration exercise.

Pe Awampaga II, who is also Paramount Chief of Paga Traditional Area, appealed to Government to reconsider its decision to increase utility tariffs and said that many Ghanaians could not afford to pay for electricity and good water.

He said most Ghanaians would go back to the old days of using lanterns in their homes since they could not afford to pay high electricity bills. Chief of Katiu, Katio Pio, Pe Ayikode Zangwio 1V, an 18-year-old student of the Bolgatanga Technical Institute, was sworn into the House by a High Court Judge.

The Upper East Regional Deputy Minister, Mrs. Lucy Awuni called on chiefs to be politically neutral to enable them to win the support of all the people towards the development of their communities. She appealed to the Regional House of Chiefs to come out with documentation on ascension to the various skins in the area to end chieftaincy disputes and litigations.

Mrs. Awuni said that even though Government would not interfere in chieftaincy affairs, it would not allow chieftaincy disputes to pose a threat to life and property, saying "Government will definitely take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the people and property in any area associated with violent conflicts." 15 June 01