Okuapehene Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, has bemoaned the subtle neglect of the chieftaincy institution which is inhibiting participatory governance.
“Ghana is not developing at a faster pace as envisaged due to subtle neglect of the chieftaincy institution in the progress, growth, development and governance architecture,” he stressed.
According to the Okuapehene, governments over the years have not effectively and efficiently involved traditional rulers who are inescapable partners and the disconnect was inhibiting participatory governance and retarding progress, growth and development.
Oseadeeyo Akuffo raised concerns when the Eastern Regional Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) paid a courtesy call on him at his palace in Akropong.
He suggested to political parties to take a critical review of the situation to make traditional institution fulcrum stakeholders
for planning and execution of policies when in government.
“NPP and NDC have ruled many years but the country is where it is and no significant progress, growth and development has not been achievedbecause the chieftaincy institution has been neglected in the governance architecture and we should be mindful of the fact that involvement of traditional rulers in governance is critical towards accelerated development.
“Okuapeman is determined, dedicated and committed to partnering governments in power to bring impactful progress, growth and development to all sectors of the economy and I assurepoliticians, my palace is opened to all political parties for discourse on issues of national interest, national cohesion and nation building,” Oseadeeyo Akuffo stated.
DrMark-Oliver Kevor,Eastern Regional Chairman of NDC, explained that the party had over the years demonstrated commitment, determination and dedicationto partnering traditional authorities towards progress, growth and development and promised its presumptive flagbearer,former President John Mahama would deepen and strengthen the partnership when the NDC assumes power in January 2025.
He noted that the executives were at the palace to introduce themselves to the Okuapehene and also convey a prayer from the former president he would soon be on Akuapem land as part of his campaign tour towards the party’s presidential primarieshowever, due to his tight schedules and internal politicking, he may not visit the palace.
Dr Kevor hinted that after his election as leader of the NDC he would personally visit the palace which he calls “his home.”
