James Gunu, the Volta regional minister exchanging pleasantries with chiefs
Mr. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has appealed to chiefs in the region to support the confirmation of various Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) nominated by President John Dramani Mahama.
He said chiefs played a crucial role in Ghana’s local governance processes, and their influence and impact were needed in all aspects.
Mr. Gunu, who was the Special Guest at the coronation ceremony of Togbi Ekpe Subo V, Chief of Dome-Kponuga at Anlo-Afiadenyigba in the Keta Municipality, emphasized that chiefs were the custodians of the land and that their voices and directives should be recognized in every society.
“I plead with you, chiefs, to add your voices to the endorsement of President Mahama’s MMDCE nominations and urge various assembly members to endorse the nominees for the development and progress of our assemblies,” he said.
He stated that the confirmation schedules had been released by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council and would commence on Wednesday, April 2, and conclude on Friday, April 11. A team would visit various locations to witness the confirmation processes.
To foster collaboration between chiefs and assemblies nationwide, Mr. Gunu noted that President Mahama had initiated a new Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs. This initiative aims to strengthen relationships and unity among politicians, chiefs, religious leaders, and other stakeholders.
He further explained that one of the objectives of this initiative was to ensure effective collaboration between assemblies and traditional leaders, restore respect and honor to chiefs, and provide opportunities for traditional authorities to participate fully in national activities.
“The contributions of our chiefs are expected to help bring development to the doorstep of every individual, and we must support, respect, and provide the necessary resources for them to initiate their development projects,” he said.
Mr. Gunu also announced that the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, in collaboration with the Regional Peace Council and the Regional House of Chiefs, had decided to implement a special award scheme for the most peaceful traditional area in the region. This initiative, which would be held annually, aims to promote peaceful coexistence among chiefs and communities.
He further urged chiefs, assembly members, stakeholders, and the public to embrace the National Sanitation Day initiative introduced by President Mahama to help keep the environment clean and prevent sanitation-related diseases.
Mr. Gunu explained that National Sanitation Day would be observed on April 5 each year to promote sanitation awareness and prevent communicable diseases that could cause illness and death.
He also called on the public to support the government in addressing pressing challenges in the area, including the Anlo-Afiadenyigba to Havedzi road, the continuation of the Keta Sea Defense Wall, and the development of the Keta Harbour, to improve the quality of life for residents.
Some chiefs the Ghana News Agency engaged during the ceremony expressed excitement about the best traditional area award and the National Sanitation Day initiatives. They pledged their full support to ensure their success.
The coronation, which was highly attended by chiefs, stakeholders, assembly members, and other dignitaries, featured drumming and dancing by various cultural troupes. The event also marked the official outdooring of ‘Agbotadua’ Amesimeku and Mama Yeshike Subo II of the area.
