President Nana Akufo-Addo has reiterated his commitment to ensure that the Ghanaians are able to cast their vote in peace, security and freedom on December 7.
Addressing the Bono Region House of Chiefs on Thursday, September 10, 2020, President Akufo-Addo assured the House of the “wholehearted efforts that are going to be made by my government and I to ensure the peace and stability of the nation, as we enter the last three months of the electioneering campaign.”
Ghana, according to the President, “has rightly earned a reputation as the pacesetter in democratic governance on the continent, a reputation I am determined to uphold, and, indeed, enhance prior to, during and after the 7th December elections.”
To this end, he appealed for the full collaboration and co-operation of the Bono House of Chiefs, adding that all hands must be on deck to create a peaceful environment for elections.
Appreciating the indispensable role played by chiefs in the history and development of Ghana, he explained that, ever since his government assumed office in January 2017, a lot of steps have been taken to strengthen the institution of chieftaincy.
These include a 100% increase in the quarterly budgetary support to the Traditional Councils and Houses of Chiefs, and a GH¢3.5 million support for the completion of the new headquarters office complex of the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi.
Additionally, President Akufo-Addo indicated the commitment of the government to moving speedily on finishing work on the codification of the traditional norms and rules that have guided communities throughout the ages.
“The Ministry, in collaboration with the National House of Chiefs, has also begun the process of digitising records of the National House of Chiefs, particularly records in the National Register of Chiefs,” he added.
Towards addressing the challenges of chieftaincy disputes, President Akufo-Addo revealed further that government, through the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has arranged to provide the funds that will increase the number of sittings of Judicial Committees of Regional Houses to hasten the adjudication of pending issues, in order to bring closure to many outstanding disputes that continue to generate tension.
Again, to reduce conflicts and establish areas of customary jurisdiction and allegiance, the Chieftaincy Ministry and the National House of Chiefs has delineated traditional areas of paramountcies, with the President also appealing to the chiefs to help the government streamline the administration of lands in the country, leading to an efficient and well-functioning regime of titling, fixing of boundaries and ownership tracing.
“The Chieftaincy Ministry has also instituted a programme to have courses in Chieftaincy development, comprising lectures, seminars and other activities, aimed at building the capacity of Chiefs and all persons with interests in the Chieftaincy institution. I applaud this initiative,” he added.
