Sekondi, Dec 16, GNA- Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, on Tuesday appealed to traditional rulers to work in co-operation and in close collaboration with the district assemblies. He made the call in an address read for him at the last general meeting of the Regional House of Chiefs for the year at Sekondi. Mr. Aidoo said the existence of such a relationship would strengthen the role of the institution of chieftaincy in governance. Mr. Aidoo said the institution of chieftaincy is regarded as an agent of change and a formidable instrument for purposeful and meaningful development.

Traditional rulers, therefore, have the onerous responsibility of ensuring that the institution is rid of all negative forces that have the effect of constituting serious obstacles to development, he said. Mr Aidoo drew attention to the numerous disputes that have rocked the institution saying most of such disputes often resulted in violent conflicts and instability in areas where they occur and retarded development.

He said the Regional Coordinating Council has embarked on a number of development and investment initiatives and these could succeed when there is peace in the various traditional areas.

Mr. Aidoo said there was the urgent need for the Regional House of Chiefs to embark on a systematic and sustained programme of public education to get people, particularly those connected with the king making processes, properly informed of the exact nature of their role in Chieftaincy matters.

Kassapreko Kwame Bassayin 111, the President of the House, said the House has settled seven disturbing chieftaincy cases in the region this year.

He said the Reconciliation Committee of the House is working hard to resolve other sensitive cases out of court.

Kassapreko Bassayin who is also the Omanhene of Wasa Akropong Traditional Area, cautioned traditional rulers against politicians who try to drag them into partisan politics. GNA/