The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has inaugurated the Zuarungu Traditional Council in the Upper East Region on Thursday, October 24th 2024, marking a historic milestone for the Zuarungu Traditional Area.

The Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, in a speech read on his behalf at inauguration ceremony by Mr Baafi Nsiah, Chief Registrar at the Ministry, highlighted the role of Traditional authorities, and said the Government, in recognition, continued to promote the formation of the council.

“The government led by his Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo attaches much

prominence to the administration of Chieftaincy in the country. This is because the role of the Chieftaincy institution in maintaining peace and ensuring development at the grass root level cannot be underrated,” he said.

The Minister spoke of the extended benefits of the Council and stressed the need for unity in attaining the ideals.

“Certainly, there are a lot more work to be done, even as we strive collectively to resolve chieftaincy matters and expand our frontiers for development. The inauguration should be seen to integrate the people of this Traditional area especially our revered Chiefs to work hand in hand for endless development but not to disintegrate you. There should be progress and unity the next time the Ministry visits the Council,” he added.

Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng gave the assurance that, “the Ministry would ensure the posting of staff either on temporal or permanent basis to help with the administration and assist you with logistics.

“Your Council would also benefit from the series of trainings and engagements lined up in our (Ministries) activities and programmes earmarked for next year,” he added.

The Chief Registrar was in the company of some top executives at the Ministry, he cut ribbon to open the council office to mark it operation.

In his Remarks, Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs and Chiana Pio reiterated the importance of the ceremony, noting that the inauguration fulfills the requirements of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), which mandates that every traditional area must have a registered Traditional Council. The establishment of the Zuarungu Council brings the number of such councils in the region to 18 and grants it exclusive jurisdiction over chieftaincy-related matters within its area.

The President urged the newly inaugurated Council to go beyond their traditional role, calling for unity and collaboration in addressing community needs. He also appealed to the government to provide adequate human and logistical resources to ensure the council’s effectiveness.

Pe Ayagitam III further advised the Council to remain vigilant in maintaining peace during the upcoming national elections, stressing the importance of monitoring political activities and preventing any acts of violence that may disrupt the area’s peace.