Wa, Jan 1, GNA - The Nadowli District Assembly has reviewed the payment of monthly allowance to chiefs by the assembly, following calls by individuals, concerned groups and the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs for upward adjustment of the stipends.

The assembly increased the allowances of paramount chiefs within its jurisdiction, from 10,000 cedis to 50,000 cedis per month with effect from January 2004.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at Wa on Friday, Mr Jude Goo, acting Registrar of the House, said though the new allowance was below the expectation of the chiefs, other district assemblies should emulate that gesture.

He expressed regret that the Wa Municipal Assembly, Lawra and Jirapa/Lambussie district assemblies continued to pay 10,000 cedis and 8,000 cedis to each paramount chief and divisional chief respectively under their authority while those in the Sissala district were being paid 2,000 cedis each per month.

Mr Goo said the allowance was not being paid regularly and in several years' arrears in some of the district assemblies. He appealed to the various assemblies to re-examine the payment of the allowance to chiefs in view of the significant role they played in national development.

Mr Goo said, " Taking cognisance of their role, it is necessary that our district assemblies honour them by paying them an allowance that they can proudly call stipend".