The president of the Weta Traditional Council has implored politicians to ensure their campaign activities are conducted in a manner that would guard and maintain the peace and cohesion in the country. 

Torgbuiga Akpo Ashiakpor VI advocated an issue-based campaign devoid of divisiveness and stereotyping as the country gears toward the December 2024 general elections. 

He was speaking at the inauguration of the Weta Traditional Council in Weta in the Ketu North Municipality in the Volta Region. 

He stressed that his area would not tolerate politicians who would adopt unacceptable campaign practices to lobby electorates for votes.

“Issue-based campaigns are the only messages the Weta Traditional Council will accommodate. A divisive politician would not be tolerated by the Weta Traditional Council”, he said. 

Togbuiga Akpo Ashiakpor VI also expressed worry at the increasing number of Chieftaincy disputes across the country, adding it mars the trust for the chieftaincy institution. 

He indicated that chiefs, politicians, media, and youth have taken a stance to influence and manipulate chieftaincy conflicts for their parochial interests. 

“The result therefore is that trust in both the state and traditional administration is declining. People who are not closely related to chieftaincy contests or a royal family take an active interest in this conflict and become embroiled in the escalation of violence”, he said.

Torgbuiga Akpo Ashiakpor VI, therefore, suggested that the traditional councils and Houses of Chiefs should be empowered as the sole institutions to adjudicate chieftaincy conflicts. 

He also called for the codification of the lines of succession in Ghana, and sanctions against politicians and others who interfere in chieftaincy illegitimately. 

The Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Evans Habada who delivered a speech on behalf of the Minister in charge of the sector congratulated the traditional area on the milestone and urged the chiefs to form a synergy towards development. 

“We should be able to see progress and unity among you the next time we visit you”, he stressed. 

The Weta Council Traditional Council is poised to leverage the current recognition to develop the traditional area.