Techiman (B/A), Oct. 1, GNA - The government has released GHC 150,000 to the Brong-Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs for the development of cultural centres in the region. Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Minister of Chieftaincy Affairs and Culture announced this at the Ohene Ameyaw Fofie Yam festival of the chiefs and people of Techiman in Brong-Ahafo.

The festival was under the theme, "The role of chieftaincy and culture in socio-economic development". Mr Boafo noted that culture "represents the embodiment of the people and the government is committed to its promotion". He mentioned some of the achievements of the Ministry as the enactment of the Chieftaincy Act 759 of 2008 that seeks to empower chiefs to discharge certain customary duties to minimize disputes and conflicts in the communities.

The Minister suggested to Techiman Traditional Council to institute a scheme for the benefit and welfare of the youth that would encourage citizens to support development projects. Oseadeayo Akumfi Ameyaw IV, Omanhene of Techiman Traditional Area, said the yam festival "does not only provide spiritual significance to the people but is also a platform for addressing both social and economic problems in the area".

He enumerated a number of projects such as the police barracks and the Nkwantananso cultural centre, embarked upon by the people of the area and appealed for government support for its completion. The Omanhene disclosed that the traditional council was collaborating with the University of Ghana, Legon and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, with the support of the Municipal Assembly to construct a modern cultural village. Beyeeman Bosea Gyinantwi, Omanhene of Drobo Traditional Area, who presided, noted that chiefs were custodians of lands and hence must strive to accelerate development in their areas to help eradicate poverty. Mr Boafo later presented GH 5000 cedis and 15 crates of soft drinks to the chiefs in the area for the successful celebration of the festival.