Sekondi, August. 9, GNA - Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Minister of State for Chieftaincy and Culture, on Wednesday urged traditional authorities to unite, to give his Ministry support and goodwill and collaborate with Government to achieve enhanced living standards for the people. He said his Ministry would establish the requisite structures that would enable the chieftaincy institution to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to ensure better living conditions for the people.

Addressing a general meeting of the Western Regional House of Chiefs at Sekondi, he said, "It is my policy to carry out my responsibilities through consultation with our chiefs". Mr Boafo said: "This is to ensure that together we can transform the institution of chieftaincy into a veritable vehicle for peace, stability and progress in the interest of our dear country". He said the doors of his Ministry are open to traditional authorities for consultation, useful suggestions and advice. Mr Boafo said the country's traditional and cultural practices were so vital to the smooth administration of the country that any well-meaning government could not ignore the role of traditional authorities.

He said problems facing the institution included inadequate allowances, the lack of counsel, logistical support and vehicles for the various houses of chiefs and some individual chiefs. Mr Anthony Evans Amoah, Western Regional Minister, appealed to traditional rulers to help solve chieftaincy disputes in the Region in the interest of development and progress.

He said the disputes were retarding the development of the region that was endowed with numerous natural and mineral resources. Mr Amoah said: "You would do me and my administration a lot of good if you would use your influence and wise counsel to ensure that all chieftaincy disputes and land litigations are amicably settled".