Okyenhene calls for inclusion of chiefs in local governance

The Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori-Panin has called for inclusion and empowerment of traditional authorities in local governanace to enable chiefs play a leading role in economic emancipation and development of their communities.

He said progressive chiefs had helped in the provision of critical needs of their commmunties and contributed to the economic development of their people.

Okyenhene who is the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs was speaking at the end of year meeting of the house at Koforidua.

He said traditional rulers have deeper knowledge of the challenges and aspirations of the people in their traditional area and when given the opportunity and support could mobilize their people for the common good.

He said the development of the country is slow because of over concentration of power and resources in Accra.

Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori-Panin appealed to all politicians who would be participating in the 2020 elections to conduct decent campaigns devoid of insults.

He also called on the political leaders to advice their supporters not to do anything that could disturb the peace before, during and after the elections.

Okyenhene appealed to the media to be circumspect in their reportage and avoid partisan reporting and should place the interest of the country above all things.

The Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Nuertey Ayertey appealed to the Regional House of Chiefs to help resolve the many chieftaincy disputes in the region.

He explained that the disputes are having negative effect on the development of the region.

Mr Ayertey appealed to the traditional rulers in the region to collaborate with state institutions to stop illegal mining, illegal logging and sand winning which are causing the destruction of the environment in the region.

The Director of the Institute for Local Government, Dr Nicholas Awortwe, described the postponement of the referendum on the repeal of article 55 clause three as a lost opportunity for reforms in the local governance system in the country.