Dormaa Ahenkro (B/A), April 22, GNA - Mr. Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Minister of State at the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture, has condemned the growing practise among kingmakers who tend to give the nod to highest bidders, irrespective of qualification to ascend a stool. He said this was unacceptable and that the emergence of different gates to stools was alien to the Akan tradition. Also, the creation of artificial gates has led to the surge in protracted chieftaincy disputes.

"The answer to the question lies in the systematic codification of the rules to streamline succession", he said when he addressed the 55-member Dormaa Traditional Council at Dormaa Ahenkro as part of his tour of the Brong-Ahafo Region.

Mr. Boafo commended the President of the house and members of the council for maintaining peace among the people over the years. He traced the success story of Dormaa Traditional Council to the Dormaahene's consistency on pertinent issues and the desire of the council to let the people live and grow in freedom and peace. Mr Boafo appealed to Metropolitan, Municipal and District assemblies to provide financial support to traditional authorities desirous of codifying their rules.

Mr. Boafo appealed to traditional councils to lead the campaign for alternative dispute resolution by initiating the withdrawal of chieftaincy disputes from the courts. The Krontihene of Dormaa Traditional Council, Barima Ansu Adjei who deputized for Dormaahene, said the traditional authorities had always shown the way to peace and development.

Barima Ansu Adjei thanked the government for creating a separate ministry to manage the affairs of the chieftaincy institution and said the traditional council would embark on programmes to help sustain the peace in the area.