Accra, Oct. 23, GNA- Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene has called for the formation of an Association of African Traditional Rulers to help strengthen the chieftaincy institution on the Continent.
A statement from the Ghana High Commission in London to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Thursday said the Asantehene made the call when Mr Joseph Muhwanyamuh Ssemwogerere, Prime Minister of the Buganda Kingdom of Uganda paid a courtesy call on him in London.
The Asantehene was in London to participate in the just-ended Ghana EXPO 2003.
The statement said the Asantehene explained that such an association would also provide the platform to share ideas among traditional rulers and enhance the growth of traditional institutions in the interest of their people and also serve as a mechanism to solve conflicts. Otumfuo Osei Tutu said the chieftaincy institution had played a major role in the social development of many African countries and was always prepared to support good governance.
He stressed the need for traditional rulers to stay clear out of politics in order not to compromise their position as custodians of the rich culture of their people and centres of influence in their communities.
The Asantehene said exchange of visits between traditional rulers would also help foster lasting and beneficial friendship for the growth of chieftaincy institutions.
Prime Minister Ssemwogerere said Ghana was a great country that had provided education for many Ugandan citizens.
He expressed optimism that the discussions would mark the beginning of mutually beneficial relationship between the Buganda Kingdom and Asante Kingdom.
Mr Isaac Osei, Ghana’s High Commissioner in London commended the Asantehene for his wisdom and foresight in establishing the Education Fund that would cater for the needs of brilliant but needy children from all parts of the country.
He said with the establishment of the alternative dispute mechanism in Asante, the Asantehene was making a positive contribution to the development of Ghana. 23 Oct. 03
Source: GhanaWeb
