The Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng has hinted of considerations towards a Chieftaincy Development Fund that seeks to empower Traditional Authorities in the development of their respective communities.

He indicated that when Traditional Leaders have natural resources at their disposal, those resources must be managed sustainably in order to create reserves for the benefit of their people through the provision of basic amenities within their jurisdiction.

Hon. Asamoah Boateng was speaking to some Traditional Leaders from Free State Province, South Africa during a courtesy call at the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MCRA) in Accra on Monday, 9^th October, 2023 as part of their visit to study the customs and traditions of chieftaincy in Ghana.

The Minister noted that government must not be centralized, rather, Traditional Leaders must be given the medium to work within their own boundaries to protect the customs and values. Likewise, Traditional Leaders must collaborate with government so that together, both parties can ensure smooth governance and economic growth.

He urged the Traditional Leaders of Free State not to work in isolation but rather do their best to preserve their customs, values and develop their communities independently while collaborating with government to enable them access the opportunities due them.

A Principal Traditional Leader of Free State House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Moremoholo Mopeli said the purpose of their visit was to learn the rich culture while finding ways to inculcate the Ghanaian Traditional culture in theirs so that they can also project their diverse tradition as traditional leaders.

He commended the Minister and his team for their hospitality and for aiding them to understand the true values of tradition and how to navigate these as Traditional Leaders when they go back to South Africa. He also noted that the Free State Province would want to tap into the rich knowledge of the Minister and his team as they have been well informed during their visit to the Ministry.

Source: Public Affairs and Communications Unit, MCRA