Ga Mantse calls for stronger collaboration between gov't ministries, traditional authorities to accelerate development in Ga State

Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called for stronger collaboration between government ministries and traditional authorities to accelerate development in the Ga State, particularly in the areas of agriculture, youth employment and community development.

The Ga Mantse made the call when the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, paid a courtesy visit to the Ga Mantse Palace.

Welcoming the Minister and his delegation, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II stressed the need for government to deepen its engagement with traditional authorities, describing chiefs as important partners in the development of their communities.

He said although Accra is largely recognised as an urban and cosmopolitan capital, there are communities within the Ga State that retain rural characteristics and continue to face challenges relating to infrastructure, basic amenities and economic opportunities.

According to the Ga Mantse, addressing these development gaps requires sustained collaboration among government ministries, traditional authorities, development partners and other relevant stakeholders.

He also expressed concern about what he described as limited collaboration between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and traditional authorities, particularly regarding agricultural programmes being implemented within communities.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II said chiefs and traditional leaders should be adequately informed and involved in government initiatives because of their direct connection with communities and their ability to mobilise residents for development programmes.

He noted that agriculture has significant potential to create employment for young people and urged the Ministry to strengthen programmes that support youth participation in agriculture, agribusiness and related enterprises.

The Ga Mantse further highlighted the need for stronger institutional collaboration in the development of aquaculture and other areas of agriculture, stressing that government institutions must work together to maximise the benefits of such sectors.

He also called for greater recognition of the role of traditional authorities in the organisation and promotion of cultural activities, including the annual Homowo Festival.

Responding to the concerns, Hon. Eric Opoku thanked the Ga Mantse for the warm reception and assured him that the issues raised during the engagement would receive the attention of the Ministry.

The Minister acknowledged the importance of the collaborations proposed by the Ga Mantse and assured him that the Ministry would work to ensure that the necessary engagements and partnerships were strengthened.

Hon. Eric Opoku also assured the Ga Mantse that the Ministry would make it a point to participate in the next Homowo Festival, as part of efforts to deepen its relationship with the Ga Traditional Council and support the cultural heritage of the Ga people.

He further gave an assurance that the issue of youth unemployment in the Ga State would be given attention.

According to the Minister, efforts would be made to ensure that young people in the Ga State are not left out of initiatives aimed at creating employment and promoting self-employment through agriculture and related economic activities.

The assurance is significant as the Ga Mantse had earlier identified youth unemployment as one of the major concerns requiring urgent attention, particularly at a time when many young people are seeking sustainable sources of livelihood.

Agriculture as an avenue for employment

The engagement also highlighted the potential of agriculture to contribute to employment creation and economic development within the Ga State.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II urged the Ministry to strengthen its networks at the community level and work closely with traditional leaders to identify young people who could benefit from agricultural programmes and entrepreneurial opportunities.

He maintained that closer cooperation between the Ministry and traditional authorities could help ensure that government initiatives reach the intended beneficiaries at the grassroots.

Both the Ga Mantse and the Minister therefore underscored the importance of sustained engagement between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Ga Traditional Council.

The visit ended with assurances from the Minister that the concerns raised by the Ga Mantse would be taken into consideration, while both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation for the development of the Ga State.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith