In a momentous occasion, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, the revered King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom has been formally Sworn in as the President of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs.
The historic event took place during the maiden Savannah Regional House of Chiefs General meeting, held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at the Jakpa Palace in Damongo.
The ceremony was steeped in tradition, as the King chose to recite his oath using the skin of an antelope in accordance with the customs and practices passed down through generations, symbolising his commitment to upholding the rich cultural heritage of the region.
In a heartfelt address delivered on his behalf by Kpembewura Bangbange Ndefoso IV, the King expressed profound gratitude to all the members of the House for their pivotal roles in his coronation as Yagbonwura and President of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs and also commended their unwavering enthusiasm and dedication with great humility.
The King, in his capacity as President pledged to administer justice impartially to all within his jurisdiction, guided by truth and without fear or favor, prejudice or ill will, emphasising the importance of law, equity, and tradition in this pursuit.
Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I) underlined the vital link between peace and socioeconomic development in the Savannah Region, assuring that the traditional authority would spare no effort in maintaining the peace that the region currently enjoys, particularly in matters related to chieftaincy.
He outlined his administration’s goals, which include the promotion of customs and traditions, the fostering of unity, peace, and the overall development of the Savannah Region, stressing that, these objectives hinge on principles such as trust, perseverance, and the delivery of justice.
As the custodian of the region’s customs and traditions, the King called upon his administration to focus on leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
He also emphasized the need for actionable measures in implementing decisions made by the House, highlighting that unity, love for assigned roles, and sincerity in fulfilling responsibilities are essential for the House’s success.
With optimism and determination, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I) expressed his unwavering commitment to ensuring that the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs achieves its goals and leaves no stone unturned in its pursuit of progress and unity.
In a statement, the Savannah Regional Minister, Mr. Saeed Muhazu Jibriel, extended his warm congratulations to the Yagbonwura for assuming the prestigious role of President within the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs.
He emphasized the importance of the Yagbonwura displaying strong leadership qualities, invoking patience and divine guidance to unite everyone under his administration.
The Regional Minister also emphasized that, chieftaincy revolves around the welfare of the people a leader governs and stressed that those residing within the King’s jurisdiction should be regarded as extended family members to ensure effective and compassionate rule.
He also used the occasion to call upon all subjects under the Yagbonwura’s rule to offer their unwavering support and respect, thereby fostering a reciprocal relationship.
The Regional Minister shed light on the multitude of challenges confronting the Savannah Region, particularly the imperative for peace and security to advance its development agenda.
He urged chiefs, sons, and daughters of the kingdom to actively contribute to peace-building efforts in traditionally sensitive areas and provided assurance that the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council is fully committed to supporting the region’s development and collaborating with all Traditional Councils for collective progress.
The King was inaugurated with the oath of President as President of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs, while Mankpanwura Jakpa Achorde Borenyi(I), Kulawura Kotochi Bore-Wunche(I), Kpansheguwura F. A. Adams Borewunche (I), Tuluwewura Purgi Budon (I), and Kusawguwura Alhassan Soale Bunyanso (II) took their Membership, Judicial, and Secrecy oaths as members of the same House of Chiefs, all overseen by His Lordship Justice Eric Ansah Ankomah, a high court judge.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
