The Upper East Regional House of Chiefs has been advised to generate documentation on ascension to various skins in the region to help end chieftaincy disputes and litigations. Mr Mark Woyongo, Upper East Regional Minister, who made the call at a general meeting of the House in Bolgatanga at the weekend, urged the chiefs to sustain efforts aimed at finding a lasting solution to chieftaincy disputes. He expressed dissatisfaction that chieftaincy disputes in Bawku, Sandema, Mirigu and other areas are affecting development in the region. The Minister said gone are the days when traditional rulers were assessed by the number of wars they won or fought, and reminded them that currently, chiefs are judged by the development projects they initiate or complete. He advised the chiefs to remain politically neutral, adding that government is committed to promoting the chieftaincy institution. Mr Woyongo added, however, that funds have been allocated for the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture to collaborate with District Assemblies and organize capacity building workshops to sensitize chiefs on government policies and governance. He explained that this would enable the chiefs to appreciate their roles in conflict resolution and the promotion of agriculture, security, health, education, sanitation and infrastructure development. Mr Woyongo noted that the region would celebrate its golden jubilee next year, adding that the occasion would be used to market potentials that abound in the region to attract investors, create employment, and reduce poverty. He appealed to the chiefs to liaise with the District Assemblies to create land banks for investment in the region. Pe Awiah Awampaga II, Paramount chief of Paga Traditional Area, President of the House of Chiefs, said the group had worked hard to reduce chieftaincy and land disputes in the region. The President of the House said a three-member committee formed by the House, has directed regents to perform the funeral rites of all deceased paramount chiefs to pave way for the enskinement of new ones by the end of December this year. Pe Awampaga said the House is worried about the Bawku conflict and commended government and other stakeholders working to bring peace to the area. He said the House would support all initiatives aimed at ending the crisis. Pe Awampaga appealed to Mr Woyongo to ensure the construction of dams in the districts to promote "all-year farming." Source: GNA