The Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has lauded the invaluable contributions of queenmothers to the effective functioning of the chieftaincy institution.
She emphasized that queenmothers play a pivotal role in supporting their chiefs and fostering harmony within traditional leadership structures. Hon. Sowah encouraged them to continue offering wise counsel and uphold their chiefs with dignity and respect, in line with the spirit of the Affirmative Action Bill, which seeks to promote greater inclusion of women in leadership.
The Deputy Minister made these remarks on Monday, 6th October 2025, when she received a delegation from the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Council, led by the Paramount Chief, His Gracious Majesty, Oseadeeyo Dr. Frimpong Manso IV, at the Ministry in Accra.
Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Sowah highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to engaging traditional authorities, describing them as the custodians of Ghana’s cultural heritage and land. She reiterated that the Ministry, as the institution mandated to supervise and coordinate the administration of chieftaincy affairs, values such interactions which strengthen collaboration between government and traditional institutions.
Responding to the Traditional Council’s request for their area to be elevated to metropolitan status, Hon. Sowah explained that the process follows a clearly defined procedure. She advised the delegation to formally submit a detailed proposal supported by relevant documentation for the Ministry’s technical officers to assess and provide appropriate recommendations.
The Omanhene of Akyem Kotoku, His Gracious Majesty, Oseadeeyo Dr. Frimpong Manso IV expressed the delegation’s appreciation to the Ministry for the warm reception and noted that they will go back with the clarity they have received to provide the necessary documentation to the technical officers for assessment.
Source: Chantal Aidoo
Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA