Sefwi-Wiaso (W/R) June 26 - GNA- Chiefs have been told to conduct the business of the noble institution in a manner that they would not be regarded as part of the problems of modern society. Nana Mkuah Okumdow II, Omanhene of Sefwi-Wiaso traditional area in the Western Region noted with concern that chieftaincy disputes and conflicts for many years had been and continue to be the bane of many traditional areas in the country.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at Sefwi-Wiaso at the weekend, he emphasised the need for the institution to purge itself of "dubious characters" that regard every dispute as an opportunity to enrich themselves, and therefore fan them. Nana Okumdow, who is the Vice President of the Regional House of Chiefs advised his colleagues not to dissipate the energies and resources of their areas on litigation and petty squabbles to divide the people. He urged them to offer good leadership to their people by being honest, transparent and accountable in the use of royalties and other resources that must go into the provision of infrastructure for the benefit of the people.

The Omanhene said the Paramountcy would collaborate with the three district assemblies within the area to ensure sustained peace and unity among the people for accelerated development. He said he and his elders have worked hard to foster unity and peaceful coexistence among the chiefs in the Sefwi-Wiaso traditional area.

On the suggestion that District Chief Executives be elected on party political lines, Nana Okumdow said that would have been "fair and ideal, however for the sake of our fledging democracy the idea is premature." He commended the Government for the efforts to provide education, health, roads and potable water and other infrastructure to open up the Sefwi-Wiaso, Juabeso and Bia districts.