Hohoe, Aug 02, GNA - Togbega Gabusu VI, Paramount Chief Gbi Traditional Area, has urged traditional leaders to be at the forefront of transforming chieftaincy into an institution for political, economic and social development at both national and local levels. He said times had changed when the establishment was used basically as machinery for the prosecution of war and territorial defense against external aggression.

Togbega Gabusu said this when a delegation from the Avatime Traditional Area paid a courtesy call on him to officially introduce the newly installed Queen, Mamaga Osei Yawa VIII. The new Queen known in private life as Ms Paulina Aborfuah, is a 54 year old, Senior Staff Midwife of the Hohoe District Hospital, who succeeded her aunt.

Togbega Gabusu said this status had placed numerous responsibilities on traditional leaders with no corresponding resources to prosecute such pressing needs to the chagrin of their people.

He said worse of all were attempts by successive regimes to withdraw cunningly the authority of the chiefs and this had a high propensity to stall development at the grassroots levels.

Togbega Gabusu appealed to the government to consider proposals to make chiefs administer some development projects in their jurisdiction through funding from the disbursement of the Districts Assemblies Common Fund to revive their status and dignity.

.Mamaga Yawa commended the forebears for continuously burning the torch, even at difficult times, and pledged to discharge her responsibilities without fear or favour.