Kumasi, Dec 15, GNA - Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has called on chiefs to be more transparent and accountable in their dealings with the people.

He said it was by doing this that they would be able to win their support, co-operation and loyalty.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu was addressing an end-of-year meeting of the Asanteman Council at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

He said as traditional leaders the expectation was that they would mobilize the people to bring development to their various communities and that helping to transform the socio-economic conditions of the people should be made a top priority on their agenda.

He reminded them that they were there not only to resolve chieftaincy disputes and sell building plots to live in comfort.

The Asantehene said for the chieftaincy institution to remain relevant and revered, it was important for the chiefs to carry themselves with dignity and refuse to allow themselves to be tainted by social evils.

He expressed concern about the growing degradation of the environment and pollution of rivers and streams through illegal mining and uncontrolled development and

said decisive action was needed to tackle these by the appropriate state institutions.

“We must act together to restore sanity” Otumfuo Osei Tutu said.

The meeting was attended by paramount chiefs and members of the Kumasi Traditional Council and it took stock of development activities during the year and the way forward