Election 2020: Ghanaians will vote in a peaceful environment, Akufo-Addo assures Bono chiefs
President Akufo-Addo says he is committed to ensuring that Ghanaians cast their vote in a peaceful and secure environment during the 7 December general election
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reiterated his commitment to ensure that Ghanaian voters are able to cast their vote as peacefully and securely as possible on 7 December.
Addressing the Bono Region House of Chiefs on Thursday 10 September 2020, President Akufo-Addo assured the House of the “whole-hearted efforts that are going to be made by my government and I to ensure the peace and stability of the nation, as we enter the last three months of the election campaign”.Ghana, the president said, “has rightly earned a reputation as the pacesetter in democratic governance on the continent, a reputation I am determined to uphold and, indeed, enhance prior to, during and after the 7 December elections.”
To this end, he appealed for the full collaboration and co-operation of the Bono House of Chiefs, adding that “we have all to work together to create the environment that will allow the Ghanaian people to make their decision on 7 December in freedom, peace and security. It is their right.”
Questions of allegiance
Appreciating the indispensable role played by chiefs in the history and development of Ghana, he explained that, since his government assumed office in January 2017, it has taken many steps to strengthen the institution of chieftaincy.
These include a 100% increase in the quarterly budgetary support to traditional councils and houses of chiefs, and GHC3.5 million in support for the completion of the new office complex for the headquarters of the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi.
In addition, President Akufo-Addo said that his government remains committed to moving speedily to finish work on the codification of the traditional norms and rules that have guided our communities throughout the ages.
“The ministry, in collaboration with the National House of Chiefs, has also begun the process of digitising records of the National House of Chiefs, particularly records in the National Register of Chiefs,” he said.
Towards addressing the challenges of chieftaincy disputes, President Akufo-Addo revealed further that: “The government, through the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has arranged to provide the funds that will increase the number of sittings of judicial committees of regional houses to hasten the adjudication of pending issues, in order to bring closure to many outstanding disputes that continue to generate tension.”
Equally, to reduce conflict and establish areas of customary jurisdiction and allegiance, the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, together with the National House of Chiefs, has delineated traditional areas of paramountcies. The president has also appealed to the chiefs to help the government streamline the administration of lands in the country, leading to an efficient and well-functioning regime of titling, fixing of boundaries and ownership tracing.
“The Chieftaincy Ministry has also instituted a programme to have courses in chieftaincy development, comprising lectures, seminars and other activities, aimed at building the capacity of chiefs and all persons with interests in the chieftaincy institution. I applaud this initiative,” President Akufo-Addo said.
Click on the link to listen to President Akufo-Addo.
Wilberforce Asare / Asaase Radio
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