Agogo (Ash), Dec. 2, GNA - Reverend Professor Osei Sarfo-Kantanka of the Faculty of Agriculture of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, has suggested the modernisation of the chieftaincy institution in Ghana.

He said this would enable chiefs to play their proper roles to ensure development.

Rev Professor Sarfo-Kantanka was speaking on the topic: "The Role of the Christian Royal in the Contemporary World" at the end of a three-day conference organized by the "Di Ade Na Som Yehowa", a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) at Agogo in the Asante-Akim North District on Wednesday.

The conference, the first of its kind attended by over 50 chiefs, Queen Mothers and pastors selected from the Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo and Eastern regions, was on the theme: "The Christian Royal".

He noted that chiefs and Queen Mothers occupied important positions in the society and to enable them to achieve success it was necessary for them to be committed Christians.

Rev Professor Sarfo-Kantanka stressed the need for royals to be God-fearing, honest and faithful in all their deliberations. Rev Dr Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong of the Trinity Theological Seminary at Legon, speaking on the topic: "The Challenges Facing Christian Royals in Ghana: Some Theological Reflections and concerns", suggested that chiefs needed to be well informed on issues that involved conversion of traditional institutions into Christianity.

He asked them to engage individuals and institutions to conduct research into the gospel and the traditions of the country to help them to be well informed so as to render to both Christianity and their people their God-given mission.

Dr Opuni-Frimpong suggested also to chiefs to institute Royal Bible Study Project and engage experts to develop Bible study materials to lead the study.

Rev Dr Opoku Onyinah, Rector, Pentecost University College, stressed the need for the amalgamation of Christianity and culture. Nana Afua Amponsah Mununkum, President, said the organization was involved in radio ministry, which focused on programmes for chiefs and other royals to see the need to combine their traditional leadership functions with service to God.

She also said efforts were being made to organise such conferences in all the regional capitals of the country.

Nana Akuoko Sarpong, Omanhene of the Agogo Traditional Area who chaired the function, appealed to the participants to be good Christians to enable God to lead them in their work as traditional leaders.