The Atwima Nwabiagya District Minister of the Emmanuel Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Reverend Eric Kwasi Adjapong, has said it impossible for traditional leaders to be traditionalists and at the same time accept Christ and become Christians.
He said God did not frown on the chieftaincy institution once it was carried out within the limits of His will and not executed arbitrarily.
Rev. Adjapong made the statement at a thanksgiving service at Nkawie in celebration of the installation of Nana Antwi Agyei IV as the new chief of the Nkawie Traditional Area.
He said the era of absolute right of chiefs was over as they were now required to seek the support of their people in order to hold on to power.
‘Mind you, the throne is not the preserve of the rich and powerful; it is the right of those who are legitimately entitled to it,” he said.
Leadership Rev. Adjapong said on account of the prominence and prestige that came with leadership positions, many leaders were easily carried away and neglected the very source of their power, which emanates from the people.
‘Leaders must first consider themselves as servants, and their actions and decisions must revolve around the welfare of the people and not imposed on them.
‘A leader has faith in people, believes in them, trusts them, and thus draws out the best in them and this enables them to rise to the occasion when it is demanded,” he said.
After the sermon, Rev. Adjapong presented a Holy Bible to Nana Agyei, urging him to draw his strength and direction from the Good Book to govern his people.
The chief The newly installed chief rallied support from his people to help transform the chieftaincy institution in line with the vision of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Durbar At a grand installation durbar that was held the previous day in his honour, there was an impeccable display of traditional drumming and dancing, depicting the culture of the people of Ashanti.
Nana Antwi Agyei sat in state and received a number of sub-chiefs in the traditional area and guests who had come to pay homage to him, many of whom were dressed in rich kente cloths.
Assembly’s commitment The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Atwima Nwabiagya, Nana Asare Bediako, commended the chief and people for coexisting peacefully. He said he was hopeful the cordial relationship among the people would enhance development in the traditional area.
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