Accra, April 30, GNA - Nana Kwodwo Eduakwa V, Chief of Atonkwa Elmina, on Wednesday reiterated the need for Ghanaians to respect and protect the chieftaincy institution since it is an integral part of the nation's cultural heritage.

"We need not undermine the work of the chieftaincy institution because the institution existed before the advent of the western way of governance," he said.

Nana Eduakwa V was speaking when a four-member delegation from Elmina called on the Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture to inform him about the Bakatue Festival which would be celebrated in July. He noted that chieftaincy, as a human institution, had challenges but people tended to highlight its problems more than the good aspects.

According to Nana Eduakwa, who is also Akwamuhene of the Edina Traditional Area, much of these disputes were caused by politicians. The festival on the theme: "Celebrating 10 years of Traditional Leadership - Projecting Elmina's Potential, Building Development in the Future" would be a week-long programme to showcase Elmina as a world heritage community in the Central Region with tourism potentials.

Activities lined up for the festival include a cooking contest, photo exhibition, a seminar on the role of traditional authority in the community and national development and a grand durbar of the chiefs and people of Elmina.

Mr. Sampson Kweku Boafoe, Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, said the Ministry was not created for only arbitration but it also sought to promote development.

He pledged the Ministry's support for the celebration of the festival since Elmina was endowed with natural resources and tourist attractions.