Chiefs start consultations on harmful cultural practices

The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs have met the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs in Bolgatanga as part of consultations towards sensitizing of communities towards elimination of harmful traditional practices in the country.

The stakeholders plan to embark on a research on cultural practices inimical to people’s liberties and growth in the Region.

Dr Seidu Danaa, Minister for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, alluded to the fact that some cultural practices affected development and said though traditions die hard they could be changed since they were made by people.

Dr Danaa said the objective of the workshop which was sponsored by USAID was to sensitize traditional authorities on harmful traditional practices and the need as stakeholders to make inputs to pave way for legislation adding that such important moves could not be achieved without education.

He said it was only when adherents for tradition were not for change that it would be difficult and added that the workshop was to sensitize the minds of traditional leaders and minds for adherents for change which could be achieved by sensitization.

He indicated that it was better to do so now otherwise future generations would be overtaken by events.

He said though the project started in June to cover the three northern regions, he noted harmful cultural practices was common in other traditions and assured that over time the project would cover the entire country.

He urged chiefs to examine and align themselves with article 272 of Ghana’s Constitution that mandated traditional houses of chiefs to conduct research and said though there were no camps for witches in Upper East Region that should not be glossed over.

Mr Daniel Syme, Upper East Deputy Minister on behalf of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), commended the Ministry for taking the bold step to bring changes in traditional institutions.

He assured the Chieftaincy Minister of RCC cooperation and prayed for success for the exercise, which he said would help bring development and improvement in the lives of people in the Region.

Naaba Sugri Bewon, Paramount Chief of Sekoti Traditional Area and President of the House welcomed stakeholders and said the project was timely and hoped members would cooperate and identify key areas for change.