The Otumfuo Centre for Traditional Leadership (OCTL) at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) at the weekend graduated its second batch of 50 traditional rulers.

The 50 paramount and divisional chiefs from across the length and breadth of the country who participated in the five-day course were trained in the areas of land administration and management, conflict resolution and gender issues.

The programme which is made up of three stages; had first time participants receiving certificates of participation, while second timers received certificates in traditional leadership and chieftaincy.

In the near future, the Centre would award traditional rulers who are able to go through the third stage of the programme successfully with diplomat certificates.
Dr Oko Amartey, the Pro-Vice Chancellor, UPSA, said, the University is considering scaling up the programme for traditional leaders to the masters level in the near future.

He urged the chiefs to help promote peace and unity in the country for socio-economic development.

He lauded the chiefs for successfully going through the programme; and urged them to impact what they had learnt to the development of the society.

Mr Justice Stephen Allan Brobbey, a retired Supreme Court Judge said in order for the judicial committee of the House of Chiefs to be very effect as the courts, there is the need for a revision of its timeworn rules.

Lepowura Alhaji Mohammed Nuru-Deen Jawula, the Consulting Director of the OCTL, urged the graduands to market the centre to their fellow chiefs.

He was grateful to government's Inter-Ministerial Committee for sponsoring the programme.

The Director appealed to corporate entities and development partners for sponsorship of the programme.

Nii Adjei Kraku II, the Tema Mantse, on behalf of his colleagues expressed their gratitude to UPSA for organising the programme for them.

King Dr Noble Odaifio Welentsi III, Nungua Paramount Chief, advised his colleagues to be honest, and to speak the truth at all times without fear or favour.

The programme objectives include equipping traditional leaders with leadership skills that would enhance their ability to manage their communities and all the resources under their care and to afford them the opportunity to network with fellow traditional leaders for collaboration and partnership for community development.

The OCTL, which is one of the four Centres of Excellence, was established by the UPSA, to spearhead the development and modernisation of the chieftaincy institution in Ghana.