The La Shikitele, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, delivered a candid address on behalf of the Chiefs of La during this year’s La Homowo Thanksgiving Service on September 23, 2025.

His speech focused on the suspension and reopening of the La Traditional Council, while also dispelling misinformation surrounding the town’s leadership and land administration.

Nii Adjei Koofeh IV began by addressing the purported suspension of the La Traditional Council, stressing that it was not based on any wrongdoing by its leadership.

He emphasised that the Council has always operated within the bounds of law and custom regarding the admission of members.

“The Council was never used to sell lands,” he stated.

“We have always followed due process and the law in running the Council.”

Following a legal challenge and a review by the sector ministry, the suspension of the Council was officially lifted in June this year.

On allegations of deliberate exclusion of some Quarters’ representatives, the La Shikitele clarified that such disputes stemmed from unresolved internal issues within the concerned Quarters and not from the Council itself.

“If a Quarter has not resolved its internal leadership disputes, we cannot admit its representative to the Council,” he explained.

He urged Quarters facing such challenges to resolve them through customary processes or legal channels, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to admitting only legitimate representatives.

Nii Adjei Koofeh IV also clarified the distinction between the State Council and the Traditional Council.

"By law, only registered chiefs qualify as members of the Traditional Council, while non-registered chiefs may serve on the State Council, which manages the affairs of La State."

“The State Council and the Traditional Council are composed of the same chiefs, but once a chief is registered, he also becomes a member of the Traditional Council,” he explained.

Responding to allegations of land sales, particularly regarding the La Wireless Aviation land, the La Shikitele firmly denied the claims.

“We did not sell the land,” he stressed.

“These accusations are unfounded and misleading.”

He concluded by reaffirming the Council’s commitment to due process, transparency, unity and the preservation of La’s traditions and customs.

He called on all Quarters to work within the framework of custom and the law to safeguard the integrity of La’s heritage.

Also, watch some videos from the NPP’s protest below: