He disclosed that the region was currently bedevilled with 50 chieftaincy disputes, 47 of which are petitions with three other appeals pending before the judicial committee of the Brong Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs (BARHCs).

[contextly_sidebar id=”c8bqTHVAKzo92qoHYa15qzT1SQxARagw”]The Minister, therefore, called for a holistic approach by the Brong Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council (BARCC), the House of Chiefs and other stakeholders to bring the number of disputes that have plagued the region, down to the bare minimum.

“Of particular concern to the BARCC and the BARHCs is the chieftaincy dispute at Portor near Kintampo where two lives were recently lost due to a dispute between two rival factions who pay allegiance differently to the Gonja Stool and Nkoranza Stool. Peace has been restored by the security agencies and the police are investigating to identify and bring the perpetrators to book,” he stated.

The Minister made this known in an address to members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Heads of Department/Agencies (HODs), Municipal/District Chief Executives (MDCEs) and Traditional Authorities. The meeting was aimed at sharing ideas and experiences to help in the implementation of the region’s developmental agenda.

Environmental degradation

He also noted that illegal mining was wreaking havoc on most productive farmlands in the region and said REGSEC, in collaboration with the MDCEs, were monitoring all galamsey-prone areas and will soon nip the menace in the bud.

On illegal lumbering, he disclosed the 13-member Police Taskforce established by REGSEC has so far impounded over 50 trucks.

He also appealed for collaboration between residents and the various security councils in their areas to share information for the effective and coordinated arrest of perpetrators.

He appealed to residents and petitioners in the region to fully cooperate with the Presidential Commission on the creation of new regions to discharge its duties in the interest of all and warned against using the siting of the capitals to forment trouble.

He highlighted governments flagship programmes and interventions and encouraged residents to take advantage of the initiatives to improve their standard of living.

The Minister said with relentless efforts from Donor Agencies, Heads of Department/Agencies, MDCEs, Private sector and Traditional Authorities in partnering the BARCC, the vision of the President to develop the country will soon be realized.

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By: Mashoud Kombat/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post B/A: Chieftaincy, land disputes hampering development – Minister appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

He made this known at a two-day workshop in the area aimed at sensitizing the youth on the need for peaceful coexistence to promote local development.

He therefore called on the Supreme Court to speed up the judicial process with regards to the dispute currently before it.

Father Kuusah expressed optimism that both factions will accept the final decision of the Supreme Court.

“It is not healthy because of the expectations, people are very confident, they are expecting that the ruling may go their favour and once the ruling comes, the dust will begin to settle. So whichever way it goes, I believe it will work. We need to keep reminding them that further delay is also causing a lot of anxiety in the area so if it is within their time frame to come out with the review as soon as possible it will help,” he said.

He also urged the youth in Nanumba north district to be ambassadors of peace in their communities to ensure lasting peace in the area.

The call became necessary as some of the youth have been found to be the major actors in the violence.

The Yendi Peace Center has been very instrumental in ensuring peace in the Nanung traditional area since 2013, through various social programs.

Father Thaddeus Kuusah noted that, peace-building is a collective responsibility, and therefore the youth of the area must get involved in the peace process by being ambassadors of change in their respective communities.

“The workshop is to help create a stable environment in Bimbilla and Nanung in general, whilst the issue at the supreme court is ongoing. People must continue to live their lives and businesses must go on, and all these means that relationships must continue. The programme is therefore to get all stakeholders to begin to appreciate the issues that they are going through, have a better understanding of the conflict and the peace that they need, and how they can also contribute towards it. You can not bring peace to the people, they are those living here and they feel the pinch so they must own the peace,” Father Thaddeus Kuusah said.

The District Chief Executive for the area, Abdulai Yaqoub, urged the people to use appropriate channels in addressing their grievances instead of taking the law into their own hands.

He further bemoaned the number of resources being spent in keeping the peace in the area, adding that these resources could have been used to develop the area.

“Resources that could have been channeled towards providing various social amenities to the people have been sunk into conflict prevention and management. The figure on the upkeep and maintenance of security personnel deployed to the area as a result of the conflict has hit an alarming value. As a people, let us learn to tolerate each other and to forgive one another. Let us also learn to follow the processes of the law instead of guns and cutlasses. The law courts should be resorted to anytime there is the need for redress,” he said.

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By: Mohammed Aminu M Alabira/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Delay in ruling on Bimbilla chieftaincy case causing tension – Peace Council appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to President Akufo-Addo, his government remains committed to ensuring peace and stability in the country, and not engage in matters related to chieftaincy.

In the run up to the 2016 general elections, President Akufo-Addo, then the presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party, appealed to Naba Abugragu Azoka II, and the people of Bawku, to vote massively for him and the NPP, assuring that if voted for, he will help find a permanent solution to the chieftaincy disputes in Bawku.

“When I said that I have no interest in chieftaincy matters, I meant it. It wasn’t an idle statement. I am not a chief, I am not a royal of Bawku, I don’t have any interest in meddling in Bawku chieftaincy matters, and that is what I meant by saying that my government has not come here to deal in chieftaincy matters”, President Akufo Addo said.

The President made this known on Thursday, November 2, 2017, when Naba Asigri Abuagrago Azoka II, and some eminent Chiefs from the Bawku Traditional Area paid a reciprocal courtesy call on him at the Presidency.

President Nana Akufo-Addo commended the Bawku Naba and the other Chiefs for the role they have played in ensuring that peace prevails in Bawku, an action, he said, has brought a warm glow of joy and gratitude to his heart.

He told the Chiefs that the decision to create a new district out of the Tempane constituency was on-going, and “anytime from now, the Minister for Local Government would announce the creation of the Tempane district.”

With Bawku being, predominantly, a farming community, President Akufo-Addo stated that the area would immensely benefit from his government’s “Planting for Food and Jobs Programme”, which is tailored to help farmers by providing them with improved seedlings, fertilizers at subsidized prices, and extension officers, amongst others.

He, however, urged the Traditional Rulers to assist the security agencies in ensuring that the smuggling of fertilizer from Ghana to other countries becomes an unattractive venture.

“We are supplying fertilizers at subsidized prices. But you know that when something good is happening, there are always a few mischievous people, criminal minds, who want to use the good things just for their own selfish interest. The people who are doing that are enriching themselves at our expense, your expense and my expense,” he said.

The President continued, “So I am asking you, the traditional rulers, in the area to be part of the law enforcement agencies in the area, and make sure that smuggling doesn’t take place of these important items”.

On another of government’s flagship projects, the free Senior High School Policy, President Akufo-Addo explained that the policy would ensure that all of Ghana’s children would have the opportunity to go to school.

“We have to speak the truth to each other as Ghanaians. In today’s world, Junior High School education is not enough we have to make sure that everybody gets at least to Secondary School, and that is why I am determined that the policy of free Senior High School would continue and continue so that all our children would have the opportunity to go to school. It has not been done for politics, and it has not been done for votes, it’s been done for the development of our country”, President Akufo-Addo said.

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post I have no interest in chieftaincy matters – Nana Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The case involved Abusuapanyin Kojo Kyer Addaquay and Abrewatia Love Adwo  Som as the petitioners, and Nana Afrakoma II, Nana Nyarkoa (Benkumhemaa) Nana Asomani (Amanguahene) and Kwame Owiredu as the respondents.

The petitioners challenged the eligibility of Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, the Paramount Chief of Akwamu, stating that the Chief was an outsider who was not from the royal family.

They also held that, the process through which he ascended the throne 6 years ago, was not in conformity with customs of Akwamuman.

The counsel for the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs which sat on the case in Koforidua, constituted the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori-Panin, the chairman, Nana Gyankomah Djaba Mensah, the council and recorder, Okotwasuo Kantamanto Oworae Agyekum III (member), and Nana Sakite the kronor of Manya krobo (member).

The Judgement

Nana Gyankomah Djaba Mensah who read out the verdict on the decision taken by the council stated  that”As conclusion of the whole matter, Nananom find as per the evidence, facts, History, Custom and all the exhibits presented before them that…

1. To ascend to the black stool of Akwamu, a candidate must of necessity come from either the house of Yaa Ansaa or Yaa Botwe

2. That there is no established system of rotation in Akwamu to ascend to the Paramount stool.
3. That as far as the history of the people of Akwamu is concerned, the office of Queen mother is not alien to the people of Akwamu
4. That the first respondent was validly nominated, elected and installed the paramount chief of Akwamu in accordance with the custom and practices of the people of Akwamu”.

The counsel for the respondents after the judgment, made a plea that an amount of GHC 50, 000.00 be paid to his clients as compensation to defray the cost of time, resources and money spent to and fro in pursuance of the case. However, the chairman of the Regional House of Chiefs, Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin together with his jury, pleaded for a reduction which was accepted by the respondents and pegged at GHC 15.000.00.

Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, who was full of joy and smiles in an interview with Citi News called for unity at Akwamu, saying “this victory is not for one group, it is for the whole Akwamu so everyone should not be shy, let’s all come together as one big family and develop Akwamuman”.

A grand Durbar is scheduled to be held on Sunday at the forecourt of the Chiefs Palace in Akwamufie.

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By: Neil Nii Amatey Kanarku/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post 25-year old Akwamu cheiftaincy dispute settled in favour of Odeneho appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Residents in communities around the parts of the Keta Lagoon have clashed with the seven sea salt company formerly known as the Kensington Salt limited over its operations in the area.

The residents have been up in arms against the company accusing them of drying up their wells and destroying their water bodies through their operations.

 They accused the company of failing to fulfill their promise of developing the concession allotted to the locals.

The Anlo Youth Council was seen to be leading the crusade against the foreign company.

However the Paramount Chief Togbui Adama III has bemoaned the practice of of blaming politics and chieftaincy for the people’s protest.

Accusing their neighbours Anlo State of a subtle attempt to claim an old age non-existent lordship over them, Togbui Adama warned that situation could be a crucible for further troubles.

He advised the members of the Anlo state and political parties to stay off issues on the mining concession, and expressed the traditional area’s readiness to get back to the negotiation table with the other key stakeholders in prescribing a lasting solutions to the troubles.

“Much as we believe that in times of trouble, your neighbours may sympathize with you, we do not subscribe to the situation where such a neighbour tries in very subtle ways to interfere into your internal affairs under the guise of trying to help you. Some elements of Anlo through the Anlo Youth Council are clandestinely trying to use the incidence at the concessions of the company to revisit their age old attempts of claiming non-existent lordship over Some. Some has never been and would never be part of Anlo; Anlo should desist from fueling the issues in Some. We are capable of solving our own problems” he stated.

He added “finally we humbly appeal to the citizens of Some to remain calm and be law abiding in these trying times. We hereby appeal to the government to as a matter of urgency constitute a committee of stakeholders made up of the company, the regulatory agencies, the Some Traditional Authority, the Ketu South Municipal Assembly and the Salt winning community to have an in-depth look into the issues”.

The press conference organised yesterday by the Chiefs in Agbozume was to among other things to present their stance on the on-going troubles on their land.  

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By: Norbert Akpabli/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Don’t politicize Adina-Some salt troubles – Chief to political parties appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to Police, it is not clear what re-ignited the dispute, which is said to have started at about 4:30pm on Friday.

Police in the area have since intensified patrols in the area to avert any possible clashes. There has been a decade-long chieftaincy-related dispute in Potor, as a similar clash occured in 2016.

Eight houses were razed in 2016,  following the return of a chief of one of the feuding factions.

One person was killed in a gun battle between two factions in the chieftaincy dispute. Three others were shot in a mosque

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By: Zoe Abu Baidoo/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post One dead in Portor chieftaincy clashes appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to him, the involvement of some chiefs in partisan politics is putting the chieftaincy institution into disrepute.

[contextly_sidebar id=”R23wDM1NuLXFK91zsgTwJIraztg4ZU54″]With some 46 days to Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections, some Chiefs have declared their support for some presidential candidates and called on their subjects vote for them.

But Professor Akosa said the practice must not be encouraged.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday [October 26], he said although the practice of has persisted for many years, it is assuming an alarming trend that needs to be checked.

“It is an increasing phenomenon, it has always been there. But interestingly I have not heard any paramount chief do that. Most of the ones that are doing that are sub-chiefs and I think their paramount Chiefs should call them to order,” he said.

He added that, “if you are a chief, you represent your entire community and therefore you represent all shapes of opinion and therefore you cannot actively within the community [engage in politics]. Yours is to serve the community.”

‘Chiefs endorse Mahama, Nana Addo’

More than sixty (60) chiefs across the country have so far been recorded to have endorsed the candidature of the governing National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) John Mahama and the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo.

Chiefs that have endorsed President Mahama include the Chief of Sunyani, Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri, Chief of Yeji, Nana Pemapin Yaw Kagbrese, the chief of Bassa, Nana Owusu Sekyi III and the Chief of Odumase No. 1, Nana Kwasi Yeboah.

Some of those who have endorse Akufo Addo include the Chief of Garu, Naba Asuguru Akuntam Wini, Chief of Bawku, Naba Asigiri Azoka Abugrago II and Paramount Chief of the Tumu Traditional Area, Kuoro Richard Babini Kanton VI.

‘Report Chiefs who endorse candidates – Chieftaincy minister’

The Minister for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, Henry Seidu Danaa, is urging persons concerned about Chiefs endorsing presidential aspirants despite the act being unlawful, to report to them to their respective Regional House of Chiefs to have the issues addressed.

According to him, the constitution frowns on traditional rulers mounting political platforms or displaying party paraphernalia.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Call partisan chiefs to order – Prof Akosa appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

A farcical own goal by away keeper Stephane Ruffier, who failed to control a routine backpass and allowed the ball to roll in, set PSG on their way.

Ibrahimovic doubled the lead just before half-time with a firm header.

He intercepted a backpass for the third, then completed his treble after Edinson Cavani curled in a fourth.

Laurent Blanc’s men have taken eight points from their opening four matches, two adrift of early leaders Bordeaux.

PSG skipper Zlatan Ibrahimovic comforts St Etienne keeper Stephane Ruffier after his mistake

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Source: BBC Sport

The post Ibrahimovic scores three as PSG thrash St Etienne appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.