The Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, Hon Stephen Asamoah Boateng has commended the King of Asante, Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II for continuously supporting the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government in its quest to ensure there is peace in every community in the country.
Speaking to the media after conferring with King at the Manhyia Palace over the simmering tensions in Bawku, the Minister noted that once Otumfuo has accepted to mediate, he is confident a resolution would soon be found for peace.
The Minister narrated that the Asante Overlord has been in the forefront of peaceful negotiations with many feuding factions in the country.
“The peaceful resolution of the Dagbon conflict about three years ago which had threatened the peace of the area for more than two decades was brokered by the King and I am sure that once Otumfuo has agreed to play a leading role in the resolution of the Bawku conflict peace would soon be found”, Hon Boateng stated.
Background
The Minister said about 70% of the conflicts happening in the country is focused in the area of chieftaincy.
This, he noted makes it imperative for the Ministry and Traditional Council to find a way to nip same in the bud.
As a measure, the Minister said his Ministry would be collaborating with stakeholders to introduce a codification system where the line of succession in traditional setting would be clearly spelt out since that is the main reason conflicts break out.
“I would be seeking audience with the traditional authorities for us to seek an amendment in the Chieftaincy act to prohibit cases in the Chieftaincy arena to be settled in court and additionally we would codify the succession plan for chiefs so that when they move on or pass on conflicts could be avoided”, the Minister intimated.
Otumfuo
Earlier on in the day, the Asantehene prayed for the Chieftaincy Minister to succeed in his new role as Minister who will deal with both traditional authorities and religious entities.
He noted that Hon Boateng has the competence, experience and temperament to handle the Ministry and asked him to be focused on his mandate.
The King however asked the Minister to take good care of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs staff and workers to encourage them to play their roles well.
“Governments have not properly taken care of staff at the National and regional Houses of chiefs and this affects morale but I trust you my grandson to work to ensure the proper thing is done”, the Asante King stated.