By: Robert Ayanful
Traditional authorities have lambasted politicians over what they described as a move which is gradually dragging the image of traditional rule into the mud.
Speaking at the sidelines of the coronation of the Development Chief (Nkosuohen) of Agona Asafo in the Agona Nyakrom Traditional Area of the Central Region, Nana Kojo Nti I, the Chief of Gomoa Fawomanye, Nana Odiasempa Sakyi Ansah IV and the Otumfuo Brempon Nana (Dr.) Oko Agyemang II of the Ahafo Traditional Area expressed regret about the development, stressing that some politicians think they can use their political position to run traditional authorities down.
According to the Chief of Fawomanye Nana Odiasempa Sakyi Ansah, democracy and its associated freedom of rights is weakening the powers of traditional rulers, as according to him, in most cases, people summoned before traditional rulers refuse to honour the invitation, sometimes challenging the traditional rulers to take them to Court.
He pointed out that long before the advent of the Courts, traditional authorities have ruled and administered justice, which he said had made society more peaceful till, and has therefore called on politicians to accord traditional rulers the needed respect that they command.
On his part, the Otumfuo Brempon, Nana (Dr.) Oko Agyemang II pointed out that unlike politicians who are voted into power, traditional rule is an old-age practice dated back into Biblical history where a ruler is appointed and reigned until death.
He therefore cautioned that no attempt by any politician or group of people can destroy traditional rule, and has there warned those who try to drag the reputation of traditional authorities into the mud because of their political power to refrain from such attempt.
He later donated GH 50,000.00 Cedis to the Agona Asafo Development Fund established to raise support for the development of the town.