Japekrom (B/A) Dec 23, GNA – Nana Kwadwo Kwakye, Deputy Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, has cautioned chiefs that the government’s non-interference in chieftaincy matters did not give them the licence to take the law into their hands. Addressing a durbar and fund-raising occasion to round off the annual Munufie festival of the chiefs and people of Mpuasu-Japekrom Traditional Area, he noted that the 1992 constitution gave chiefs the privilege to settle disputes in their areas amicably.
Nana Kwakye however, stressed that the chieftaincy institution had its limits and any acts above such limitations could infringe on the rights of individuals or social groups. “Public peace could then be disturbed, derailing the development process and perpetrators could then be made to face the full rigours of the law”, the Deputy Minister added. Nana Kwakye noted the numerous chieftaincy disputes in the region and challenged the chiefs to ensure that they are resolved to pave way for continued peace and sustained development. Ms Anna Nyamekye, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture and MP for Jaman South announced that schools in the traditional area would be given a face-lift. She asked the District Assembly and the District Directorate of Education to collaborate in this direction.
In a welcoming address, Nana Amoah Aturu Nkonkonkyia II, paramount chief of the area appealed to the government to provide more assistance to the chieftaincy institution. He called on the youth to be disciplined and called on his people to co-operate and ensure peace and steady growth of the area. The Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Felix Kwame Ferkah, a citizen of the area, was honoured for his “meritorious” service to the Mpuasu state and the nation. He called on all to assist in checking against the outbreak of bushfires and domestic fires.
