Worawora can't be under Asante - Volta chiefs

The Volta Regional House of Chiefs is opposed to the swearing of allegiance by the Woraworahene to the Asantehene. The chiefs claim that the action by the Woraworahene was a contravention of the customs and tradition of the region.

This came out when the NDC caucus of the Region met with the Standing Committee of the Regional House of Chiefs to map out development strategies for the region.

Togbega Gabusu, President of the House, noted that there was no paramount chief in the region who owed allegiance to any other chief within or outside the region, so the alleged swearing of the oath of allegiance by the chief of Worawora to the Asantehene contravened the custom of the region.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the action taken by the chief of Worawora and entreated the government and political leaders to help solve what he termed an entrenchment of traditional powers by the Asantehene.

Togbega Gabusu urged the MPs to co-operate with their chief and government to help address chieftaincy and land problems in the region towards accelerated economic growth before they got out of hand.

The issue came up when the Mr Kosi Kedem, MP for Hohoe South, wanted to find out the significance of the visit by Otumfuo Osei Tutu, the Asantehene, to the traditional area during the “Akwantutenten” festival.

Nana Aburam Akpandza, Buemhene felt a deep resentment at the visit by the Otumfuo to the Buem Traditional Area and said it was a violation of the norms of the chieftaincy institution because it was rather fomenting trouble instead of rekindling hope for development.

He said that Worawora lands did not belong to the Akan settlers, and for that reason, to pay allegiance to Asantehene was an act of disrespect to the ancestors and chiefs of the Buem Traditional Area.

Nana Akpandza said he was given a short notice of the visit by the Asantehene, which he refused in a letter asking the Asantehene to suspend his intended visit, but he did not heed his advice.

Following his letter to Otumfuo Osei Tutu, an 11-member government delegation visited his Palace, a few days later, to make a case for the visit.

Nana Akpandza, indicated that tension has been mounting in the area after the visit of the Asantehene and that he and his elders would soon hold a press conference on the traditional area and the position of the chief of Worawora and his Akan lineage. History has it that that the people of Worawora were from Ashanti.

In an address, Mr Modestus Ahiable, chairman of the parliamentary Caucus, assured the people of genuine support and co-operation with the Regional Co-ordinating Council and felt unhappy about the absence of the Regional Minister or his representative at the meeting.

He expressed grave concern about chieftaincy disputes and land litigation in the region and advised the House to adhere to the ambit of the constitution to help reduce to the barest minimum, such disturbing issues.

Mr Ahiable, who is MP for Ketu North, was unhappy that District Chief Executives in the region had neglected them in the decision-making process and cautioned that such a situation would not augur well towards improving the quality of life of the people.

Miss Akua Dansua, MP for North Dayi, appealed to the House to actively involve queenmothers in their activities since they had unique skills to handle any difficult situation.

Mr Francis Agbotse, MP for Ho West, called on chiefs to take advantage of the powers they wield to assist their people to contribute meaningfully to uplift the living standards of the people.