Sekondi Sept. 28, GNA - Mr. C.J. Honyanuga, a Sekondi High Court Judge has called on Traditional rulers to strive to uphold the image and dignity of the chieftaincy institution.

He said the chieftaincy institution is a sacred one that is why, from time immemorial, nobody had been able to set it aside and its importance has been recognised by the country's constitution. Mr. Honyanuga made the call when swearing in the newly elected President and Vice-President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs at Sekondi on Tuesday after they have been elected at an election conducted by the Electoral Commission (EC).

They are Awulae Attibrukusu III, Omanehene of Lower Axim Traditional area, as President and Nana Nkoa Okumdom II, Omanhene of Sefwi Wiawso Traditional area who was elected unopposed as Vice-President.

Justice Honyanuga noted that the chieftaincy institution has bedeviled with many chieftaincy litigations because some individuals who do not hail from the royal houses have been using their monies to force themselves on the stools as chiefs.

This trend, he said, is seriously affecting the image and dignity of the chieftaincy institution and therefore, urged Nananom to check this unhealthy practice.

"There are too many chieftaincy litigations pending before the various houses of chiefs and unless Nananom do something about the situation, the image and dignity of chieftaincy institution would be lost", he added.

Mr. Joseph Buahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, who also addressed the House asked Nananom to assert themselves and let leadership qualities be seen by their people.

He charged the chiefs to assist in bringing peace to their areas as well as to ensure that peace prevails before, during and after the forthcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

He asked chiefs to speak against politicians whose utterances and activities tend to undermine the peace and security of the country because the peace that the country currently enjoys should not be gambled on the "alter of politics."

Mr. E. O Marfo, Chief Director at the Chieftaincy Secretariat, also addressed the House.