Bolgatanga, June 15, GNA - Pe Charles Awia Awampaga II, President of Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, has cautioned the country's politici ans to refrain from interfering in chieftaincy matters. He noted that political interference in chieftaincy affairs was a ma jor cause of chieftaincy disputes in the country. Pe Awampaga II, who gave the advice at the Regional House of Chiefs meeting, held in Bolgatanga on Saturday, asked politicians to focus on th e country's development instead of interfering in chieftaincy issues and sa id that chiefs were capable of managing their own affairs. He appealed to chiefs in the region to convince the people to participate in the impending population and housing census, and encourage

members of their communities who have attained 18 years and above to register in the voters' registration exercise. Pe Awampaga II, who is also Paramount Chief of Paga Traditional Area , appealed to Government to reconsider its decision to increase utility tariffs and said that many Ghanaians could not pay their electricity and water bills.

He said most people might revert to the use of lanterns because of their inability to pay high electricity bills. Chief of Katiu, Katio Pio, Pe Ayikode Zangwio 1V, 18-year-old studen t of the Bolgatanga Technical Institute, was sworn into the House by a High

Court Judge. Mrs. Lucy Awuni, Upper East Regional Deputy Minister, called on chie fs to be politically neutral to enable them to win the support of all the people towards the development of their communities. She appealed to the Regional House of Chiefs to come out with documentation on ascension to the various skins in the area, to end chieftaincy disputes and litigations. Mrs. Awuni said that even though Government would not meddle in chieftaincy affairs, it would not allow chieftaincy disputes to result in

lost of life and property, saying "Government will definitely take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the people and property in any area associated with violent conflicts."