Vice-President John Mahama has advised against attempts by sections of the society to draw the government into chieftaincy disputes. "It is not government's business to make and unmake chiefs," he said, stressing that the government was willing to work with any chief properly installed and recognised by the Judiciary. Addressing a durbar at Amasaman to mark the Homowo festival of the chiefs and people, Vice-President Mahama said the Constitution put succession and chieftaincy disputes in general at the doorsteps of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs. Unfortunately, one section of the chieftaincy disputes in the Ga Traditional Area would want to draw the government into the conflicts, he said, but stated that, "Ours is the maintenance of the rule of law and order." Expressing concern about that numerous land and chieftaincy disputes plaguing some areas in the Ga Traditional Area, the Vice-President called on the National House of Chiefs to support the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs to settle the disputes. 'Homowo', meaning hooting at hunger, is a thanks giving festival, celebrated annually to mark the end of a famine, which nearly exterminated the Gas. Held at the forecourt of the Amasaman chief’s palace, the festival, characterised by the firing of musket, pouring of libation, exchange of greetings, cultural displays, drumming and dancing, brought together the chiefs and District Chief Executives of the Ga East, West and South municipalities. Vice-President Mahama stated that an atmosphere of peace, stability and unity was a prerequisite to the development of the Ga state, and gave the assurance that the government would continue to monitor progress in the traditional area to ensure that it achieved its full potential. He observed that the rapid expansion of Accra and its accompanying illegal sand and stone winning was threatening the agricultural potential of the traditional area, because it had led to the destruction of large tracts of arable land. He, therefore, urged the chiefs and the elders of the traditional area to ensure that their lands were made productive again, while urging them to honour their basic and property rates to enable the assemblies to embark on development projects. Mr. Mahama informed the people that the government was on track with its 'Better Ghana’ agenda, adding that the government was committed to improving infrastructure in Greater Accra, mentioning the accommodation project for security personnel under the STX deal, community water and sanitation schemes, provision of road, health and educational infrastructure, as some of the projects being undertaken. Nii Armah Ashietey, Greater Accra Regional Minister, advised the chiefs and people to shun in-fighting and unite in the interest of peace and development. On behalf of the government, he presented cartons of assorted drinks to the traditional area. Nii Amasa Oseiku, chief of Amasaman, advised the people to invest in the education of their children, and asked the youth to show respect for the elderly. Source: Ghanaian Times