Volta regional minister Dr. Archibald Letsa has assured the chiefs and people of Mafi of the government’s commitment to the establishment of a traditional council to help steer development projects in the area, despite a protracted chieftaincy dispute there.

The 22-year-old dispute has stalled development and discouraged the establishment of a traditional council in the Mafi area.

Speaking as guest of honour at a durbar to climax the 2019 Hogbetsotso festival, appealed to the chiefs and people of the area to bury their differences and unite as one people intent of bringing development to Mafi.

The durbar was organized as part of a peace process aimed at ending protracted chieftaincy dispute and spur development in the Mafi traditional area.

“I would like to encourage you and would want you to understand that we are aware of all your needs, especially your request for a traditional council you made two years ago,” he said.

“You have emphasized the same need this year as well and I promise that we will work on it. Last year, we asked you to come together in unity. We beseech Mafi for unity so that the government will also do everything possible to play its role.”

The minister’s comments were in response to a request for the constitution of a traditional council made by the special guest speaker Senyo Hosi, on behalf of the Mafi chiefs and people.

Former President John Mahama was the special guest of honour of the event.