Accra, Aug. 3, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Wednesday said the chieftaincy institution was indispensable in Ghana's socio-economic development. He said the institution was a vital link between the Government and the citizenry, adding that the nation was developing the necessary networking to consolidate the peaceful co-existence being enjoyed in the country.

President Kufuor made the observation when the Standing Committee of the National House of Chiefs (NHC) paid a courtesy call on him at the Castle, Osu.

He said the chieftaincy institution offered Ghanaians reference to their roots and their role in national development because without such reference the citizenry would not know their identity and contribution to national development.

President Kufuor said ethnic groups and the regions in Ghana had been blessed with well-informed traditional rulers, who were well educated and aware of the technological development on the globe that could be adopted for the efficient and effective development of their areas.

He said the Government had been modest with the achievements made so far since it assumed power in order not to be complacent and relapse because there was a lot of work to be done. "With the successes that we have chalked we have to try to maintain a balance."

On the political scene, President Kufuor said the Government had restrained itself from responding to the taunts and abusive language heaped on it because it saw the development as catharsis ventilation since Ghanaians had been oppressed for a very long time and not allowed to express their views freely and openly without intimidation. He said it was the Government's duty and responsibility to relieve the citizenry of such oppression to enable the people to openly and freely express their opinions towards a sound socio-economic development.

"This is not a sign of weakness but what will be the use to keep the political atmosphere overheated," he said.

President Kufuor said the Government was determined to use the short time and period of its tenure of office positively and gainfully for the citizenry and posterity. "Therefore we have to turn blind eye to the insults by people, who do not see the positive aspects of good governance."

Odeneho Gyapong Ababio, Omanhene of Sefwi-Bekwai Traditional Area and President of the House, said chiefs had recognised the Government's achievements and the recognition within the international community. He said chiefs appreciated the deepening of modern democratic practices and the healthy political climate prevailing in the country and called on Ghanaians determined to ensure peace, stability and national cohesion to dialogue on issues with the Government in a more dignified manner devoid of bitterness.