On Monday, President John Mahama convened a meeting with members of the Steering Committee of the National House of Chiefs to provide updates on key national developments and seek their counsel on critical matters.
The meeting, initiated by President Mahama, offered an opportunity for the President to draw on the collective wisdom of the traditional leaders. He explained that the gathering was particularly significant as numerous chiefs and traditional councils had requested to pay courtesy and congratulatory visits following his election victory. President Mahama emphasized that he wanted the National House of Chiefs to be the first to engage with him before receiving regional and local delegations.
Due to ongoing renovations at the Office of the President, the meeting was held at the Accra International Conference Centre.
During the session, President Mahama expressed profound gratitude to the chiefs for their warm reception during the 2024 election campaign. He acknowledged their hospitality, guidance, and counsel, which contributed to a peaceful and successful election.
“I believe the peaceful transition and Ghana’s recognition worldwide as a beacon of democracy is something we should all take pride in. Your contributions played a significant role in this achievement,” President Mahama said.
He further highlighted his intention to establish regular dialogues with the National House of Chiefs to address issues not only related to the Chieftaincy Institution but also concerning the broader progress of the nation.
A major topic of discussion was the growing prevalence of chieftaincy disputes, which the President identified as a critical issue affecting national security. He lamented the increasing occurrence of rival factions vying for traditional leadership roles following the demise of chiefs, noting that such disputes hinder development.
President Mahama acknowledged that the 1992 Constitution placed chieftaincy matters under the purview of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs to prevent government interference. However, he stressed the need for collaboration between traditional authorities and the government to maintain law, order, and peace during enstoolment or enskinment ceremonies.
He revisited the earlier state initiative to codify lines of succession, urging the National House of Chiefs to revisit the project to address the worsening issue of succession disputes.
Additionally, President Mahama announced plans to hold a Constitutional Review Validation Conference to revisit and harmonize recommendations from past constitutional review efforts. Reports from the Fiadjoe Constitutional Review Committee, commissioned by the late President John Evans Atta Mills, and the Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu-led committee under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, would be reassessed to determine their relevance for constitutional amendments.
Speaking on behalf of the National House of Chiefs, Nana Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, the Mamponghene, congratulated President Mahama on his election as President.
He also expressed concern over the government’s recent decision to realign the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ministry with the Local Government Ministry, stating that the National House of Chiefs only learned about the move through the media.
SOURCE: http://dew360.net
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