Okuapehene Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III has stated that Ghana is not developing at faster pace as envisaged due to subtle neglect of the chieftaincy institution in the development and governance architecture of the country.
According to Okuapehene, governments over the years have not effectively involved traditional rulers who are inescapable partners, this disconnect, he says is inhibiting participatory governance and retarding development.
He called on political parties to take a critical review of the situation to make traditional institution a fulcrum stakeholders for planning and execution policies when in government.
“NPP and NDC have ruled many years but Ghana is where it is. No significant progress made .It is because the chieftaincy institution has been neglected in the governance architecture. The involvement of traditional rulers in governance is very critical,” Okuapehene said.
He said this when Eastern Regional Executives of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) paid a courtesy call on Okuapehene at his palace in Akropong.
Okuapehene expressed his commitment to partnering governments in power to bring impactful development to Okuapeman in all sectors of the economy.
He also assured that his palace is opened to all political parties for advice on issues of national interest and nation building.
Eastern Regional Chairman of NDC, Dr.Mark Kevor Oliver stated that NDC has over the years demonstrated commitment to partnering traditional rulers for development therefore assured its presumptive flagbearer John Dramani Mahama will deepen the partnership when assumes power in January 2025.
Speaking on the courtesy call, Dr .Mark Oliver Kevor said the executives were there to introduce themselves to Okuapehene and also convey a prayer from former President John Mahama to the palace that, he will soon be on the Akuapem land as part of campaign tour towards the party’s presidential primaries however due to tight schedules and fact that, its is internal politics, he may not visit the palace.
However, after his election as leader of the NDC he will personally visit the palace which he calls “his home”.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
