Traditional authority asked to purge itself
The Very Reverend Dr. Yaw Frimpong-Manso, former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), has called on traditional authorities in the country to purge the chieftaincy institution of the ills plaguing it, through self-regulatory measures.
He asked chiefs to do away with bad practices that were not in conformity with the institution, and introduce modern trends of state governance to ensure orderly development in their various communities.
Rev. Dr. Frimpong-Manso was addressing the chiefs and people of the Drobo Traditional Area at the launch of the 30th Anniversary of the enstoolment of the Omanhene of the Area, Beyeeman Bosea Gyinantwi IV, and their annual Munufie Kese festival, at Drobo.
The event, which was also used to launch the Beyeeman Education Fund, an appeal for funds as well as the unveiling of the anniversary cloth, was on the theme: “The Role of Traditional Authorities in Promoting Quality Education and Healthy Development”.
The former Moderator of the PCG noted that the chieftaincy institution like the church had played a role in the administration of societies in the past, and continued to serve as the bedrock for the development of many nations over the years.
“The chieftaincy institution has preserved most rich cultural values of communality, respect for the elderly, the principle of reciprocity and hospitality, particularly as Africans and Ghanaians,” Rev. Dr. Frimpong-Manso observed.
He, however, deplored the current trends of bitter chieftaincy disputes, political partisanship and insults, ethnocentrism, divisions, rancour and all manner of immoral behaviour and criminality, armed robbery and indecent behaviour even among people of God, saying these would not help a nation clamouring for a common destiny, freedom and justice.
Rev. Dr. Frimpong-Manso said though Ghana was gradually being divided on political partisanship and ethnocentric groupings, chieftaincy played a major role in sustaining the unity and cultural values of the country.
He called on chiefs and the church to collaborate for the development of the country.
“Just as our forefathers built a strong foundation for our nation, so must we be reminded that it is now our time to build on their rich cultural and traditional as well as sound spiritual heritage for posterity and generations yet unborn,” Rev. Dr. Frimpong-Manso stated.
The former Moderator lauded Beyeeman Gyinantwi for his contribution to the development of the Drobo area, and the building of a modern traditional political system.
Rev. Dr. Frimpong-Manso noted that the Presbyterian Church had been a pathfinder in the development of education, and lauded chiefs for releasing land for the execution of church projects.
The former Moderator and his wife donated GH¢1,000 towards the establishment of a fund to support brilliant but needy school children in the Drobo area.
Dr. Kwame Saarah-Mensah, Ghana’s former Ambassador to India and Minister of State in erstwhile Provisional National Defence Council administration, commended the chiefs in the Brong Ahafo Region for their contribution to national development.
Dr. Saarah-Mensah praised the Omanhene for bringing development to Droboman and its environs.
Mr. Julius Atta-Bediako, District Chief Executive for Jaman South, said Beyeeman Gyinantwi had exhibited dedicated leadership, and pledged that the Assembly would execute projects to improve the living standards of the people.
He suggested that the Beyeeman Education Fund must be expanded to cover all deserving pupils and students in the Region.
Beyeeman Gyinantwi said that he and his elders initially faced difficulties in seeking development for the area, but “From a few scattered houses, Drobo, the district capital, has grown in size.”
The appeal for funds yielded more than GH¢14,000.
Source: GNA