The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has organized a specialized training program for newly inaugurated Traditional Council Members of the Zuarungu Traditional Area. This is part of efforts to deepen the understanding of Chieftaincy administration, by providing the President of the Council and his members a broader knowledge of the office.
The training is designed to equip the chiefs with a comprehensive understanding of the legal, administrative, and judicial structures that govern chieftaincy affairs in Ghana. It also aims to clarify their roles and responsibilities within the Traditional Council system, aligning them with the national governance structure.
In an address delivered on behalf of the Chief Director for the Ministry by Director responsible for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr. Baafi Nsiah, he indicated that the training is in fulfilment of the ministry's mandate to ensure they give their key stakeholders the requisite skill to enable them execute their mandate as a Council.
According to him, the training will build the administrative and governance capacities of the newly inducted chiefs, emphasizing the crucial role of traditional leadership in Ghana’s governance and cultural framework.
"Traditional leadership remains a vital part of Ghana’s governance and cultural architecture," the Chief Director noted. "As custodians of our customs, land, and heritage, you play a critical role in sustaining peace, promoting unity, and fostering development in our communities." He further noted that the structure of Traditional Council falls under the Regional House and the National House as the base.
According to the Chief Director, whilst it is the responsibility of government to provide funds for the effective running of the office of the Traditional Councils, the Councils, with support from the Registrars, are not barred from soliciting for funds from donors and development partners to complete or establish developmental projects.
The Chief Director added that the President of the Traditional Council, per the Chieftaincy Act 2008 (Act 759 ), is to work hand -in- hand with the Traditional Council Registrar and other civil service staff for administrative work, such as the establishment of committees, to be carried out smoothly.
Participants were urged to embrace the responsibilities that come with their new roles—promoting harmony, ensuring fairness, resolving disputes using customary law, and collaborating with local government structures such as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
“As newly inducted members, you are stepping into a space that demands not only leadership and wisdom but also integrity, fairness, and accountability,” the Chief Director said, encouraging active participation and knowledge sharing throughout the session.
For his part, the President of the Zuarungu Traditional Council, Naba Bilea-Namalteng, expressed his appreciation to government for the timely training , appealing for it to be done often, probably on quarterly or annual intervals.
He urged the council members to make good use of the new skills and knowledge they have acquired and work effectively with the Staff of the council to promote peace , reduce conflict and increase socio-economic development in the area.
Source : Chantal Aidoo
Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA