The Bono Regional Minister, Honorable Lawyer Joseph Addae Akwaboa, has expressed concern regarding the increasing number of chieftaincy disputes in the region, which subsequently lead to conflict, loss of life, and destruction of property.
During his address to the Chiefs of the Dormaa Traditional Council at the Abanpredase Palace, as part of his official visit to the area, he observed that the escalation of chieftaincy disputes in the Bono Region is adversely impacting peace and security. The region is expending significant financial resources to sustain security personnel tasked with maintaining order in conflict areas, a circumstance that continues to deplete the region's financial reserves hence the need for all the traditional authorities in the region to refrain from Disputes in Chieftaincy.
He stated that chieftaincy disputes have affected nearly all areas of the Bono region, providing examples of chieftaincy-related issues in Sunyani, Wenchi, Badu, Nsoatre, Berekum, Japekrom, Drobo, Fiapre, and the particularly troubling situation in Sampa. He urged traditional authorities to address chieftaincy issues with truth and transparency, ensuring that individual interests do not supersede chieftaincy matters, in order to maintain peace and security in the region.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the ongoing unrest related to chieftaincy issues, he pledged to initiate the arrest of any traditional leader who exploits personal interests to incite chaos and violence in chieftaincy areas. He emphasized that if such arrests would cost his ministerial position, he is fully prepared to accept that consequence, as long as he remains the Bono Regional Minister. He expressed his commitment to safeguarding the region's peace.
He advised Nananom to pursue legal remedies in court for chieftaincy-related matters, rather than resorting to violence, in order to promote peace and order in the Bono region. He emphasized that the region is both peaceful and security-conscious, and assured that his office will continue to uphold peace and security to Safeguard the inhabitants of the region.
Sompaonline.com/Kwaku Mensah Abrampah