Sekondi, Sept. 13, GNA - Mr Joseph B. Aidoo, Western Regional Minister has advised Metropolitan and District Chief Executives (MCE/DCE) not to meddle in chieftaincy and land disputes.

He said such disputes usually lead to the polarisation of people to the detriment of development, as well as the destruction of lives and property.

Mr Aidoo said these at the swearing in ceremony of the 21 DCEs in the Western Region in Sekondi on Tuesday.

The new DCEs are Appiah Kubi-Baidoo, Sefwi-Wiawso, Asiedu Mensah-Abrampa, Juaboso, Doris Gyampomaa-Oduro, Amenfi East, Kwaja Ackah Elima, Nzema East and Kingsley Adjei-Manu, Bibiani-Ahwiaso-Bekwai. The rest are Philip K. Nkrumah, SAEMA, Benjamin Armah, Bia, Samuel A. Tekyi, Amenfi West, Kwesi Biney, Ahanta West, Emmanuel Ayensu, Wassa West, Martin N. Ackah, Jomoro, and Edward T. Amprofi, Mpohor Wassa East.

He said the constitution debars politicians from dabbling in chieftaincy affairs or attempting to coerce the chieftaincy and land institutions.

Mr Aidoo reminded them that many people look up to the MCEs/DCEs to intervene in chieftaincy disputes and cautioned that, "if you do, your tenure could be short-lived, while the trust of the government in you will be betrayed".

He stressed that MCEs/DCEs are appointees responsible to the government, the Member of Parliament (MP), Presiding Members to the assemblies and the citizenry.

"You must not attempt to be the boss and refuse to listen to advise, your coordinating directors have a deep knowledge of the systems and you must not sideline them," he advised.

Mr Aidoo said they must ensure that government policies and programmes succeed and also provide facilities and infrastructure that would improve the living conditions of the people.

He stressed that issues that could degenerate into civil disobedience, confusion and the break down of law and order, must not be underestimated or ignored by the MCEs/DCEs.

"You must swiftly act to reverse or stop any act that could retard the progress of the area irrespective of the persons involved". Mr Samuel A. Tekyi, DCE for Amenfi West, speaking on behalf of the group pledged their commitment to work hard and improve the living conditions of the people. He thanked the President for the confidence reposed in them.