The Hon. Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng has charged Traditional Rulers to lead in the fight against environmental degradation and poverty to help achieve some level of development at the local and national levels.

He stressed that, the new role of chiefs necessitates the need for some form of adaptation and training for traditional council members to fulfill their responsibilities, while calling on the Paramount Chief of Teshie Traditional Council, Gbetsoolo Nii Ashitey Akomfra III to ensure this was done.

The Minister made these comments in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Chief Registrar at the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr Baafi Nsiah during the inauguration of the Teshie Traditional Council on 1st August 2024 in Accra.

He said the council’s status was equivalent to that of a district magistrate court with the mandate (as per the Chieftaincy Act 2008, Act 759) to resolve conflicts using the Judicial arbitration system; understand and lead the process involved in land allocation, land administration and granting leases. They are also required to lead in the development process as well as maintaining peace in the area.

As a show of commitment, he said the Ministry would provide the compliment of office staff required by the council to see to its daily administration.

He tasked the President of the Council to ensure more members are inducted into the council and urged the existing council members to set good standards for the youth so that Teshie will be a beacon of hope.

In his affirmation speech, the Paramount Chief of Teshie Traditional Council, Gbetsoolo Nii Ashitey Akomfra III expressed his excitement on the elevation of the Traditional Area into a Traditional Council status.

He pledged his dedication to ensure the discharge of their duties as a council without fear or favour, while bringing more development to the communities under their jurisdiction.

Source : Public Affairs and Communications Unit, MCRA