The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs officially inaugurated the Zuarungu Traditional Council on Thursday, October 24, 2024, marking a historic milestone for the Zuarungu Traditional Area. The ceremony was attended by the Paramount Chief, Naba Belia-Maaletinga Afeghera III, alongside chiefs, queen mothers, and other dignitaries from the area.
In a speech delivered by Mr. Abutu Kapori, the Registrar of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, on behalf of the Regional House of Chiefs, he praised the tireless efforts of the Zuarungu traditional authorities. “Your sleepless nights and dedication have touched the ministry, and today, your request for the establishment of this council has been granted,” he stated.
He urged the newly inaugurated council members to uphold the principles outlined in the Chieftaincy Act of 2008, Act 759, emphasizing justice, fairness, and neutrality in their adjudication duties.
The Registrar also congratulated the Zuarungu chiefs and the entire community, calling the inauguration a significant achievement for both the traditional area and the Upper East Region.
He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Chieftaincy for its swift action in creating the council, noting that it would foster new opportunities for the region.
In his Remarks, Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III ,President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs and Chiana Pio. highlighted the importance of the event, noting that the inauguration fulfills the requirements of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), which mandates that every traditional area must have a registered Traditional Council. The establishment of the Zuarungu Council brings the number of such councils in the region to 18, and grants it exclusive jurisdiction over chieftaincy-related matters within its area.
The President urged the newly inaugurated Council to go beyond their traditional role, calling for unity and collaboration in addressing community needs. He also appealed to the government to provide adequate human and logistical resources to ensure the council’s effectiveness.
Pe Ayagitam III further advised the Council to remain vigilant in maintaining peace during the upcoming national elections, stressing the importance of monitoring political activities and preventing any acts of violence that may disrupt the area’s peace.
Representing the Chieftaincy Minister, Mr. Baafi Nsiah, director of the chieftaincy division of the Chieftaincy Ministry, expressed his honor in being part of the event. “The government, led by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, recognizes the important role chieftaincy plays in maintaining peace and promoting development,” Mr. Nsiah remarked.
He noted that while chiefs once led their people to defend and expand territories, their modern role includes leading in battles against environmental degradation and poverty.
The Ministry, according to Mr. Nsiah, will provide logistical support, training, and additional staff to ensure the council’s effective administration. The President of the Zuarungu Traditional Council Naaba Belia Maaletinga Afeghera III extended appreciation to the Minister and the Ministry for adding value to the Zuarungu traditional area for the creation of the traditional council. He assured the Ministry of the readiness of the chiefs and people of the traditional area to protect and defend the traditional council to function well and become exemplary to the rest of the World.
The establishment of the Zuarungu Traditional Council, in line with the Chieftaincy Act, 2008, Act, 759 will pave the way for the formation of Judicial Committees to handle chieftaincy disputes and oversee the development of the area.
As the council embarks on its new journey, both Mr. Kapori and Mr. Nsiah emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration among the chiefs and the people to ensure lasting peace and development in the Zuarungu Traditional Area.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
