Many foreigners installed as ‘Nkosuohene’ or development chiefs in Ghana are opportunist ‘419’ fakes, according to the Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture, Samuel Kwaku Boafo. He said investigations conducted by his Ministry have revealed that many of these so called ‘Nkosuohene’ who come to Ghana as tourists, investors and managers of dubious companies and non- governmental organizations have criminal records back home.

Often, this criminal activity continues here, as some foreign ‘chiefs’ exploit their traditional positions of honour to enrich their own pockets at the expense of the nation. The Minister warned as he cautioned closer monitoring and greater scrutiny of these honourary title holders.

According to the Chieftaincy and Culture Minister, information available to his Ministry has it that under the pretext of seeking financial assistance for the communities they represent Ghana, some unscrupulous crooks end up simply amassing wealth for themselves.

Mr Boafo therefore advised chiefs to observe due diligence and investigate the background of foreigners before installing them as development chiefs in their various traditional areas. He assured that his administration is taking stringent measures to monitor the activities of all Nkosuohene. He said his ministry would as part of these measures soon collate data on all foreigners installed as development chiefs in the country for the purpose of investigating their backgrounds.

Mr Boafo was speaking at a meeting held with 22 paramount chiefs in the Western Region at the Regional House of Chiefs to formally introduce himself as the number one man of the newly created Chieftaincy and Culture Ministry.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister declared that the institution of chieftaincy, which is a reflection of the country’s traditional and cultural practices, and also vital to smooth administration, cannot be allowed to be taken for granted by such crooks to satisfy their selfish interest.