Kingmakers urged not to impose unqualified candidates on stools

Sefwi-Anhwiaso (W/R), Aug. 29, GNA - Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, has urged kingmakers and queen mothers to desist from imposing unqualified candidates on stools. He said such situation did not only create divisions among the people but also tension and conflicts in the affected areas. Mr Boafo was addressing a durbar of chiefs and people of Sefwi-Anhwiaso in the Western Region at the weekend during his working visit to the area.

He emphasized: "Any unqualified ruler who assumes a traditional office is already unpopular and definitely would not enjoy the full support of the people".

Mr Boafo said chieftaincy disputes began from the very on-set of nomination, selection and installation of chiefs and queens and appealed to the kingmakers to correct these anomalies and ensure strict adherence to customary norms to ensure peace and respect to the chieftaincy institution, which was fast waning.

The Minister commended Nana Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, Omanhene of Sefwi-Anhwiaso and the Queen Mother, Nana Ogu Botwe for ending their 11-year-old dispute, which affected peace and development in the area. Nana Gyebi praised the government for creating a full ministry for the chieftaincy institution.

He said the present 10 per cent royalties paid by mining companies to the district assemblies was woefully inadequate and proposed 40 per cent for effective administration.

Mr Kingsley Adjei-Manu, District Chief Executive for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, advised chiefs to stop land litigations and multiple sale of land, which often drove away prospective investors. He also appealed to chiefs to lead in the crusade to register persons for the National Health Insurance Scheme to enable them to access affordable health care delivery.