Details

Sensitization Workshops For Regional Houses Of Chiefs In Ghana

In June 16, 2008, the amendment to the Chieftaincy Act was passed and assented by His Excellency the President of the Republic. The passage of the Act has brought some changes to the conduct of the affairs of the Chieftaincy. It is therefore important for chieftaincy constituency to educate its members about the changes in the Act and how it affects their institution of chieftaincy in Ghana, especially regarding the role it exerts on the communal level.

In this light, the National House of Chiefs (NHC), together with the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture, in conjunction with their development partner i.e. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung are organizing a series of sensitization workshops for the members of the ten Regional Houses of Chiefs in Ghana.

The ten Regional Houses of Chiefs are located in the ten regional capitals i.e. Bolga, Wa, Tamale, Sunyani, Kumasi, Koforidua, Ho, Sekondi, Cape Coast and Accra.

The purpose of the ongoing workshops is to sensitize Nananom of the various Regional Houses of Chiefs on the implications of the new Chieftaincy Law (Act 759) of 2008, which replaces the old Chieftaincy Law (Act 370) of 1971. For instance, the new Chieftaincy Law provides for the establishment of a new chieftaincy bulletin, the appointment of counsel to assist the Traditional Council in adjudication and extension of the term of office of the members and presidents of the Regional Houses of Chiefs and indeed the National House of Chiefs from three to four years.

In organizing these workshops, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and the NHC hope that, Nananom who constitute the pivot of the Chieftaincy Institution in Ghana, will be adequately enlightened by able resource persons about the operations of the new Chieftaincy Act, thereby, enhancing good local governance in the country.

The maiden edition of these workshops started in Sunyani in the Brong-Ahafo Region in 2009.

In addition, in view of the forthcoming 2010 District Assembly Elections, and the role Chiefs play in communal matters, these workshops address also important aspects of peaceful and transparent elections and the role Chiefs can play in this regard.

For further information contact:

NHC:

Alexander Kofi Essien

National House of Chiefs

Tel.: +233 6123521 / +233 243-986882

KAS:

Isaac Owusu-Mensah

KAS Snr. Programme Officer

Tel: +233-21-768629 / +233-244-329047