Mampong-Ashanti, Aug. 30, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor has urged chiefs and people of Asante-Mampong to unite and bury their differences for the socio-economic development of the area. He said development could not be made in areas of conflicts and when the people did not wholeheartedly support traditional authorities and Government to address the numerous developmental problems confronting them.

"Let us put the past behind us and rally behind Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, Paramount Chief of the area for development," he added. President Kufuor made the call in an address read on his behalf by Mr Emmanuel Asamoah Owusu-Ansah, Ashanti Regional Minister at a colourful durbar of the chiefs and people of Asante-Mampong.

The durbar, under the theme, "A Decade of Steady Progress" was organised by the Asante-Mampong Traditional Council to mark the 10th anniversary of the enstoolment of Daasebre Osei Bonsu as Asante-Mamponghene and the fifth anniversary of the installation of Nana Agyakoma Difie as Queen Mother.

President Kufuor said the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture was established to serve as an effective link between Government and the National House of Chiefs in recognition of the important role traditional authorities played in the country's developmental efforts. He pointed out that the establishment of the Ministry should not be misconstrued as an act of interference in activities of traditional rulers and urged them to avoid activities that might compromise their authority.

President Kufuor pledged the Government's commitment to support traditional authorities to address the numerous problems confronting chieftaincy institutions, an indispensable partner for development. He commended Daasebre Osei Bonsu for maintaining the peace, and called on the chiefs and people of Asante-Mampong to use the durbar to launch development programmes in health, education and the economy. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, in a message delivered on his behalf, urged the Council to endeavour to resolve all impending chieftaincy disputes within the paramountcy, since peace was the bedrock of sustained socio-economic development.

The Asantehene commended the Asante-Mamponghene for making steady progress during the decade of his reign especially in health, education and infrastructure development.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu expressed concern about indiscipline in all spheres of life, describing it as a "dangerous canker" which was gradually creeping and eroding the fabric of society.

He said, "Wanton destruction of property especially national assets and the use of force at the least provocation has no place in our developmental efforts".

The Asante-Mamponghene condemned last year's mob action by the youth of Asante-Mampong that destroyed state and private properties worth millions of cedis.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu commended Government for rehabilitating the Mampong town roads but regretted that the pace of work was too slow.