Sunyani(BA), April 14, GNA - The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture is dialoguing with the appropriate authorities to ensure that traditional councils are adequately compensated on lands released to government for investments. Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Sector Minister who disclosed this said it would empower beneficiary councils to initiate and execute development projects.

Mr Boafo who is on a four-day familiarization visit to Brong-Ahafo Region was interacting with members of Sunyani Traditional Council at Sunyani on Monday. He would visit traditional and divisional councils in Tano South and North Districts, Techiman and Dormaa Municipalities, Asunafo North, Jaman South, Nkoranza, Berekum and Asutifi Districts. Mr Boafo explained that the chieftaincy institution was very relevant and played a crucial role in national security and development. He said since chiefs were seen as the embodiment of the people, it was necessary to contact them regularly in initiating and executing programmes that would facilitate development.

Mr Boafo said it was against this background that the Ministry had drafted and laid before Parliament the Chieftaincy Bill pending approval. He said the bill when passed would help the Ministry to organize series of capacity building workshops to update the knowledge of traditional rulers. Mr Boafo expressed concern about the perennial chieftaincy disputes in the country and appealed to the National and 10 Regional Houses of Chiefs to collaborate with the Ministry in resolving such disputes. He commended traditional authorities for their immense contribution towards national development and urged them to help educate their subjects about the importance of ensuring violent-free elections.

Mr Boafo said even though chiefs were barred from participating actively in party politics by the 1992 Constitution, they could intervene to help avert potential situations that could breed unnecessary tensions during the impending elections. Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II, Omanhene of Sunyani Traditional Area, appealed to the Ministry to furnish Regional Houses of Chiefs with computers. He called for an increase in the allowances of chiefs and salaries of staffs working in the traditional councils.