Essikadu, Jan. 16, GNA - Mr. Kwame Pianim, an economists and Chairman of the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC), has said the desire of some chiefs to engage in partisan politics would not be in the interest of the nation.
He said chiefs should play their moral and advocacy roles and criticise when things are not being done right.
Mr. Pianim said this as part of activities to mark the arrest and imprisonment of Nana Kobina Nketsia IV, the late Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area, by the British colonialists. "Chiefs cannot be contained in politics," he said.
Mr. Pianim expressed his surprise at the "unknown heroes of Essikadu who played significant roles in the pre-independence struggle of Ghana". He appealed to people of the Western Region to document their history and portray the country well to the entire world.
Mr. Pianim said the selfless commitment of the country's nationalists should engage the attention of the present generation who should also be willing to sacrifice for the benefit of future generations.
Mr. Anthony E. Amoah, the Western Regional Minister, said it was unfortunate that the Western Region, which had been on the colonial map over the past 100 years, had not been able to document its history. He said several customs and traditions including the history, marriage rites and procedures have not been documented and many of such heritages have been lost to modernity.
Mr. Amoah said the use of oral history and documentation of traditional practices must engage the attention of the people of the Westerns Region as Ghana marks its 50th anniversary.
Mr. Philip K. Nkrumah, Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Chief Executive, said the independence of the country would not be complete if the country was unable to assert itself financially.
He said partisan politics would not assist the nation to develop its full potentials and the national interest must supersede all other interests.
Mr. Nkrumah assured residents of SAEMA that efforts were underway to rename some streets and monuments after nationalists from the region. He said the new Takoradi roundabout would be re-named as "Paa Grant roundabout".
Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, said the roles chiefs played in the pre-colonial struggle were immense. He said it was sad that many educated people refuse to recognise the role of chieftaincy and underestimate its importance.
Nana Nketsia said the country's cultural values, chieftaincy, courtesy for the elderly, drumming, dancing, wearing of cloth among others must not be destroyed because of modernity.