Don't involve yourselves in partisan politics - Nene Sakite appeals to traditional rulers

The President of the Eastern Region House of Chiefs, Nene Sakite II, has appealed to traditional rulers in the region not to involve themselves in partisan politics as stated in the 1992 Constitution, to ensure peace before, during and after the December 7 polls this year.

He said engaging in such conduct could sow seeds of discord among the people in their respective jurisdictions, thereby affecting development.

Nene Sakite said that as chiefs, they had the sacred duty of ensuring peace and tolerance in their various traditional areas, especially during the electioneering.

He made the appeal at a two-day seminar of the House at Senchi in the Asuogyaman District in the Eastern Region last Monday.

Among topics discussed were constitutional and legal basis of chieftaincy in Ghana, chieftaincy litigation, the trial process and procedure in chieftaincy litigation, customary arbitration, judicial review, supervisory jurisdiction of the High Court over chieftaincy decisions, the chieftaincy institution name change and the Ghana legal system.

Support

As custodians of their areas, Nene Sakite further said that chiefs served as a unifying force in their jurisdictions, irrespective of the people’s political affiliations and associations and, therefore, must be ready to support whichever party candidate emerges victorious in the polls for accelerated growth.

In line with that, he entreated the chiefs to be moderate in their utterances, while encouraging politicians to avoid hate speech on political campaign platforms. 

Administration of House

To ensure the smooth administration of the House, Nene Sakite announced the arrival of a new Registrar, Nathan Danquah.

He introduced Mr Danquah to members and expressed hope that the registrar would work towards improving the fortunes of the House, including resolving cases of litigation.

The former Registrar of the House, Richmond Peseu, died on July 9, this year.

Advice

The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, also advised the electorate to conduct themselves well and be tolerant of one another’s views to ensure an incident-free polls in December.

He said there was the need for the country to protect the prevailing peace jealously, and expressed hope that like previous elections, this year’s polls would also be peaceful.

Writer's email: haruna.wunpini@graphic.com.gh