Abeadze-Dominase (C/R), Sept. 2, GNA - The President of the National House Of Chiefs, Odenoho Gyapong Ababio II, on Friday urged professionals in the chieftaincy institution to use their expertise to accelerate socio-economic development.

He said there are now many professional including doctors, engineers and lawyers in the institution, adding that, the people look up to them to help curtail outmoded customs and practices.

Odeneho Ababio was speaking on the role of chiefs in the development of the community, at the annual 'Ahobaakese' festival of the chiefs and people of the Abeadze-Dominase Traditional Area in the Central Region.

He urged chiefs to do away with "unnecessary litigation" and to channel their resources towards efforts to improve the living conditions of the people to enable them to keep abreast with development.

The President of the National House of Chiefs described the institution as the most cherished traditional socio-political structure and an effective vehicle for the mobilisation of people for development.

Odenoho Ababio said a modern chief, should see himself as an agent of change and a major drive in the development of their communities in an atmosphere of peace and stability.

"I am sure Ghanaians will admire us if we can come up with a modern land tenure system for the whole country. We have to do something about such outmoded customs as tribal marks, female genital mutilation, widowhood rites, trokosi, etc," he declared.

He pointed out that even though the constitution bar chiefs from active partisan politics they have a significant role to play in ensuring harmony in political activities without compromising their neutrality.

The Omanhene of the area, Daasebre Kweku Ewusi VII, also stressed the important role of chiefs and appealed to the people to support his efforts towards socio-economic development.

He appealed for the extension of electricity to eight communities, including Kyekyewere, Kaawonsirew, Akobima, Kwakrom and Akropong.