Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) to strengthening collaboration with the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, to accelerate development and deepen peace across the region.
He said the partnership between traditional authorities and the Regional Coordinating Council was not only a constitutional requirement but also an essential pillar for effective governance, community participation and sustainable development.
Mr Gunu made the remarks on Thursday during a meeting with members of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs at the VRCC in Ho.
He noted that Article 255(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution provides for two representatives of the Regional House of Chiefs to serve on the Regional Coordinating Council, demonstrating the important role of traditional authorities in local governance.
“The Constitution recognises the indispensable role of chieftaincy in national development. We value the indigenous knowledge and wisdom of our chiefs and believe their contributions are vital to effective regional administration,” he said.
Mr Gunu said stronger collaboration between chiefs and local government institutions would enhance community participation, support peaceful conflict resolution, facilitate land administration and development planning, preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage, strengthen decentralisation and promote consensus-building.
He assured the House that the Regional Coordinating Council would continue to engage traditional authorities in its development agenda and urged Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs), to maintain close working relationships with chiefs, religious leaders and other stakeholders in their respective jurisdictions.
“I believe the Volta Region is well positioned for rapid development if we remain united. Whether it is road construction, schools, chiefs’ palaces or other infrastructure projects, we can achieve far more through collaboration,” he stated.
The Regional Minister encouraged chiefs to continue offering constructive advice whenever government officials deviated from the region’s development priorities.
He said President John Dramani Mahama remained committed to transforming the Volta Region through major development initiatives and appealed to traditional leaders to support the government’s efforts through collaboration and prayers.
Mr Gunu also underscored the importance of peace, describing it as a prerequisite for development.
“Volta Region cannot develop without peace. Let us continue to build bridges, strengthen unity and work together to deliver the development our people deserve,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the House, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, the Paramount Chief of the Anfoega Traditional Area and President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, commended Mr Gunu for sustaining regular engagement with the House since assuming office.
He said the Regional Minister had established a strong culture of dialogue between the Regional Coordinating Council and the chiefs, describing the relationship as exemplary and worthy of emulation by other public officials.
“We are always delighted whenever the Regional Minister attends our meetings because he comes not only with goodwill but also with meaningful engagement. The dialogue we have established is what truly matters,” Togbe Hodo said.
He, however, expressed concern over what he described as inadequate collaboration between some chiefs and certain District Chief Executives and Members of Parliament, saying such attitudes undermined local development.
“It does not promote progress when political actors see chiefs as opponents simply because they may disagree on certain issues. Development requires consultation, dialogue and mutual respect,” he stressed.
Togbe Hodo urged political office holders to regularly engage traditional authorities on matters affecting their communities and reminded them that the institution of chieftaincy was constitutionally protected.
He noted that many chiefs possessed professional expertise in fields such as law, medicine, engineering, quantity surveying and public administration, which could significantly contribute to national and regional development if properly harnessed.
“The Constitution guarantees the institution of chieftaincy, and that cannot be ignored.
Let us work together, respect one another’s roles and combine our strengths to build a stronger Volta Region and a stronger Ghana,” Togbe Hodo said.