The Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister has appealed to traditional rulers to support the prevention and resolution of issues likely to become security threats in the region. Addressing the general meeting of the Regional House of Chiefs, the Regional Minister implored the chiefs to show interest in issues bordering on security in their communities and draw the attention of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) before they get out of hand. He cited the recent lynching of Mr. Anthony Yeboah-Boateng, Administrator of Goaso government hospital at Atronie and advised the youth not to take the law into their hands and engage in criminal activities. Mr. Baffour-Awuah warned that, “such people will never have peace, they will be pursued, arrested and prosecuted by the security agencies”. “This sad incident has not only dented the image of our region as a peaceful place for investment and tourism promotion, but also has serious security implications in our region, considering the amount of money and man hours government would have to waste to bring peace back to this area”, he said. Mr. Baffour-Awuah commended the chiefs for the role they played in the regional celebration of the country’s independence golden jubilee on March six. He disclosed that the regional celebration of Ghana @50 would be marked on April 27 this year, which would coincide with the commemoration of 48th anniversary of the founding of the region and appealed to the chiefs to participate fully in the event. On the redenomination of the cedi, Mr. Baffour-Awuah advised the chiefs to make conscious efforts to understand the exercise so they could educate the people on the programme. He cautioned the chiefs to educate their citizens to beware of fraudsters who might approach them to change their monies for them. “You must make it clear that anyone who would be caught trying to dupe anybody would be dealt with severely by the long arm of the law”, Mr. Baffour-Awuah said. Okatakyie Agyeman Kudom IV, President of the House of Chiefs expressed concern about inadequate funds for the running of the House and appealed to the Regional Minister to help the House to procure executive tables and chairs to furnish the Conference hall. He commended the government for its concern towards traditional rulers and efforts to uplift the chieftaincy institution. Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw II, Omanhene of Techiman traditional area attributed the upsurge of crime wave in the region to excessive alcoholism and drug abuse among the youth and appealed to REGSEC to intensify efforts to help curb the trend. Source: GNA