Sunyani, Dec. 19, GNA - Osahene Kwaku Aterkyi II, President of Brong-Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs on Thursday appealed to traditional leaders to lead the crusade against tendencies that could trigger violence during the presidential run-off. He said since chiefs were seen as the embodiment of society, their advice would go down well to influence the people to exhibit a high sense of maturity and civility before, during and after the presidential poll.

Osahene Aterkyi, who is the Omanhene of Kukuom, made the appeal at a general meeting of the House in Sunyani. "There is the need to prove to the outside world that Ghana is democratically matured, civilized and united as one people with a common destiny", he said.

He said even though chiefs were barred from engaging in active politics, there was the need for them to support any government to facilitate accelerated national development. On chieftaincy disputes, Osahene Aterkyi said cases as at the beginning of the year stood at 54 and that 13 of them had been disposed of.

Osahene Aterkyi said the House intended to revamp its projects such as the bricks and tile factory at Tanoso, oil palm plantation and sheep farming at Abesim and housing project in Sunyani. Mr. Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, Regional Minister, said the country was striving hard to be successful in all spheres of development and urged Ghanaians not to allow themselves to be swayed by politicians to cause confusion during the presidential run-off. He expressed regret about the perennial chieftaincy disputes in the region and appealed to the House to persuade feuding parties to resolve them.

"Instead of engaging in costly chieftaincy and land disputes, you should channel your resources, time and energy into ventures that would make positive impact on the lives of your people and communities", Mr. Baffour-Awuah said.

He said despite campaigns over the years against bushfires and attendant negative effects, the menace had become an annual ritual in some districts.

The Regional Minister appealed to the chiefs to complement the efforts of the regional coordinating council in curbing bushfires. Mr. Baffour-Awuah said the region would attain 50 years next year and the coordinating council was planning for the celebration of the anniversary and appealed to the chiefs to help renew the mandate of the NPP to continue with its laudable projects and policies. 19 Dec 08