The vice President his Excellency Dr Mahmudu Bawumia has inaugurated the maiden savannah regional house of chiefs following the creation of the region among 5 other regions last year.
The creation of the regions was one of the key promises of the NPP 2016 manifesto which seeks to accelerate development in all parts of the country.
Addressing members of the Savannah regional house of chiefs at the Japka Palace in Damongo, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia was optimistic that the chiefs will discharge their duties to the best of their abilities. He indicated that Chiefs and traditional authorities have played significant role in the deliberations of the country particularly in protecting land and natural resources.
He noted that chieftaincy will continue to be an indispensable part of the country’s history and development hence, steps have been taken to strengthen the chieftaincy institutions.
Government has increase monthly allowance of chiefs and quarterly budgetary support by 100% he disclosed.
Again government has supported the national house of chiefs with GHC 3.5 million for the completion of its new headquarters office complex in Kumasi he said.
He noted that the
major setback of our nation’s socio economic development is chieftaincy disputes which sometimes result in conflict which leads to lost of life, destruction of properties, closure of schools and health facilities and separation of families.
To help reduce these disputes, government has arranged to provide funds to increase the number of sitting of the judiciary committee of regional houses so that it will speed up the resolution of outstanding issues that continue to generate tension.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also mentioned that the chieftaincy ministry has instituted a programme to have courses in chieftaincy development which comprises of lectures, seminars and other activities aimed at building the capacity of chiefs and all persons interested in the chieftaincy institutions.
He acknowledged that it is the responsibility of traditional rulers to protect the land, water bodies and the environment and
urged them to join government in the fight against economic injustice, crime, corruption and illegal mining.
Yagbonwura Tuntumba Boresa disclosed that the savannah regional house of chiefs represent a diversified customs and traditions with a combination of skins and stools which gives it a multidimensional unique position.
He said “we are proud as a people and will project the positive image of this August house to impact and positively affect the development of the savannah region in totality”.
The Overlord emphasized that the savannah regional house of chiefs has come to further strengthen the tradition and customs of the land, propagate peace and cohesion, take decisions to affect livelihoods positively, uphold the chieftaincy institutions firm, to facilitate the implementation of policy and become agents of development.
The King was optimistic that the composition of the house stands tall to improve the peaceful co- existence and hospitality to bring love, unity, peace and above all to demonstrate sense of belongness to each other for a sustainable growth of the savannah region.
The Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom is the President of the Savannah regional house of chiefs.
The Vice President presented Two vehicles to facilitate work of the house and also cut sod for the construction of the savannah regional house of chiefs.
