Research work is very essential in every institution as it is a key determinant to identifying a problem, solving that problem, and providing recommendations to a lasting solution. When given the nod as the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, I will invest in Research so that there will be proper documentation on the lines of succession and proper codification to help reduce Chieftaincy dispute to the barest minimum.

Inadequate documentation on these issues has led to the disputes among some traditional leaders on who should succeed as chief or queenmother.

The Minister Designate for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng who made these comments during his vetting on Monday 20th February,2023 said with the support from the National House of Chiefs and Regional House of Chiefs, he will do a lot of consultation to ensure that the sector receives the maximum support it needs to contribute to national development.

On the issue of Queenmothers having their own Chambers, he was of the believe that this could be done when Chiefs and queenmothers sit together to discuss, as the queenmothers seriously need the support and encouragement from the Chiefs to perform their role effectively and efficiently as well as contribute to the development of their community and the nation as a whole.

Touching on the allowances for Chiefs, he said the role Chiefs played by Chiefs was very essential and cannot be unrated hence if there is a need to increase their allowances, he will not hesitate to bring it before cabinet for consideration.

As a staunch Methodist, Mr. Asamoah Boateng says he sees religion as a tool that shapes our individual mindset and it goes hand in hand with tradition therefore, for Ghana to develop as a country it will be important to document and manage the activities of Religious bodies so that Government can plan for their needs and support them.

He noted that if given the nod, he will investigate the Bill of criminalisation of false accusation of witchcraft stating that false fully accusing people of witchcraft was improper to do and as innocent people end up suffering the consequences.

Mr. Asamoah Boateng expressed the hope that I the vetting Committee of Parliament approves his nomination, he will ensure that before he completes his two years in office as Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, he will work assiduously for Chiefs to assume their rightful position as custodians of the land.

Source: Public Affairs and Communication Unit, MCRA