Busua (W/R), Aug 21, GNA - Mr. Sampson K. Boafo, Minister of State at the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture, has called on chiefs to use their influence to encourage the youth not to abandon Ghanaian culture. He said many of the youths presently preferred foreign foods, dress styles, walking and other characteristics to the detriment of their own. Mr. Boafo said this at a durbar organised in his honour on Monday at Busua as part of his four-day visit to the Western Region. He said the nation's cultural heritage could be lost within a few years if serious efforts were not made to encourage the youth to adopt and live by them.

He said wearing of earrings by males, plaiting of their hair and their manner of speech and singing were all symbols of foreign cultural invasion that the youth must be encourage to stop.

Mr Boafo appealed to the chieftaincy institution to prevent non-royals from ascending thrones and creating confusion. He said the lines of succession and other heritages should be properly preserved to enable future generations to benefit from such legacies. Otumfuo Baido o Bonsu XI, appealed to the minister to assist them solve the several chieftaincy, land and border disputes to promote development in their areas. Mr. Kwesi Biney, Ahanta West District Chief Executive, appealed to the chiefs to work in close collaboration with the assembly in the sale of land to prevent any unplanned development. He said the discovery of oil meant that Cape Three Points would become an investment centre and all efforts must be made to tap the benefits for the improvement of the community.