Nsein (W/R), Feb. 5, GNA- Nana Kobina Nketsia, the fifth, Omanhene of Essikadu Traditional Area has commended Awulae Agyefi Kwame II, Omanhene of the Nsein Traditional Area for the immense role he played in the promotion and development of the chieftaincy institution. He said Awulae Kwame has used the Chieftaincy institution to unite many communities who had problems with their chiefs and all must emulate this.

Nana Nketsia made the remark at the launch of the 40th anniversary of the enstoolment of Awulae Kwame as a chief and also to mark his 65th birthday at Nsein on Saturday.

It was on theme "Chieftaincy, an institution for good governance". The yearlong celebration would include series of public lectures on the theme, education, HIV/AIDS, small-scale businesses, quizzes among others.

Nana Nketsia urged Awulae Kwame to use his skills in uniting all chiefs in Western Region, and also support and guide them to adequately promote tourism and other income generating activities in their respective communities.

He said chiefs must promote their cultures and traditions to make it attractive to tourist to promote the growth of the communities. Nana Nketsia said chiefs in the region must work together to solve all chieftaincy disputes irrespective of where such disputes emanates from. He cautioned chiefs not to allow political conflicts and influences to divide the chieftaincy institution.

Mr. George Naykene, Western Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association speaking on the theme "40 years of leadership", said the increasing cases of chieftaincy disputes, rebellion and mistrust among chiefs must stop.

He said chiefs must initiate development projects to lift their people from poverty, ignorance and illiteracy and also assist them to become self-reliant.

Mr. Naykene therefore suggested that regalia's of the various chiefs, photographs and other historical memorabilia of the chieftaincy institution, could be displayed during the Ghana at 50 jubilee celebrations to attract tourists and also demystify the chieftaincy institution.

Mr. Joshua K. Allimah, Nzema East District Chief Executive praised Awulae Kwame for his truthfulness, zeal and willingness to assist the district assembly with his wise counselling.

He said the assembly had benefited immensely from his rich experience in local governance and development.

Mr. Allimah therefore charged the youth to emulate the sterling qualities of the chief for their own future. 05 Feb 07