The Kumasi Traditional Council has called on government to immediately restore the power for chiefs to summon their subjects.

President of the Council and Chief of Bantama, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia, said the cooperation of the president in restoring the power without delay will help traditional leaders to play any meaningful role in solving pertinent issues in their local areas.

Speaking to the media on his NewYear message in Kumasi, he emphasized the fight against galamsey, for example, would have been easier if the chiefs had their power of summons.

He explained that the Kumasi Traditional Council receives daily reports about people engaging in galamsey and can do a lot to help increase the success rate of the ban on galamsey.

“Any serious social mobilization without the involvement of chiefs will not be effective,” the chief added.

Nana Amankwatia said the Council wants President Akufo-Addo to fulfil his promise to the chiefs last year to give chiefs power and resources to resolve issues at the local level.

He also warned the Council will from this year embark on rigorous enforcement to get traders off the pavements and other unauthorised areas in Kumasi.

The president of the Council warned all traders plying their businesses at unauthorised areas to vacate immediately.