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The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Antwi-Boasiako Sekyere says government has no intention of usurping the powers of the chieftaincy institution.

He said government’s engagement in conflicts mediation is for administrative and operational purposes.

The Regional Minister, who was reacting to concerns, raised by members of the Regional House of chiefs in Koforidua, at their end of year Annual General Meeting, saying government is aware of the implication of its interference in the chieftaincy matters.

He said government’s strive to set up statutory institutions and giving directives in traditional areas where there are conflicts is to protect lives and property and to bring about peace while mediation by the appropriate authorities is on-going.

Mr Sekyere noted that the region is becoming a flagship of chieftaincy disputes mentioning illegal leasing of lands for mining and lumbering, multiple land sales and enstooling of chiefs without recourse to the laid down procedure.

He said these issues need to be tackled without delay and assured the House of the Regional Coordinating Council’s (RCC) support.

Mr Sekyere thanked the various traditional areas for their support of government’s development projects and agenda in the year.

He urged members of the House to maintain their neutrality and non-partisan positions, during next year’s electioneering period and hope that with their support, the elections would be conducted in a free and fair atmosphere.

The President of the House and Paramount chief of the Akyem-Abuakwa Traditional Area, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, called on government to involve chiefs and traditional leaders in the development agenda particularly in the districts to ensure grassroots development.

He reiterated the need for government to allow chiefs to elect district chief executives (DCEs) so that they would be accountable to the people and also respect the traditional authorities to enhance development.

Osagyefuo Ofori Panin noted that if traditional leaders are not given that power to elect DCEs, “we will continue to remain rulers and chiefs and never be agents of change”.

He said it is not imperative for the traditional authorities to be sidelined in any meaningful developmental agenda.

He thanked President John Dramani Mahama, for redeeming his promise of GH₡ 50, 000 towards the construction of a modern infrastructure for the Regional House of Chiefs and assured him of their support.

He urged traditional rulers, to protect the image of the chieftaincy institution, by exhibiting high levels of honesty and dignity in dealing with issues that bother on national development.