Vice President of Ghana and the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has made a promise to the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and the people of the Ga State that he is committed to empowering traditional leaders across the country if elected as president.
Dr. Bawumia made this promise during the 2024 Homowo festival, where he joined the Ga Mantse and the Ga people in celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Ga State.
In his address, Dr. Bawumia expressed his deep respect and admiration for the Ga State, emphasizing its significance not only as the capital region but also as a major cultural and political hub in Ghana.
He highlighted the unique position of the Ga Mantse, stating, "Nii Ga, you are one of the few Kings we have in Ghana. There are many Chiefs, but few Kings."
This remark underscored his recognition of the Ga Mantse's esteemed role in Ghanaian society.
Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the challenges and costs that the Ga State has borne as the host of the nation's capital.
"I am very aware of the many costs that have happened between the Ga State as a result of hosting the capital here," he said, indicating his understanding of the pressures and burdens that come with the Ga State's prominent position.
The Vice President assured the Ga Mantse and the people of the Ga State that, should he become president, he would work closely with traditional leaders to address these challenges and correct historical wrongs.
"If by the grace of God, I become president, I am going to work closely with you, and we are going to rewrite many wrongs," he pledged.
A significant part of Dr. Bawumia's speech focused on his plans to amend Section 63 of the Chieftaincy Act.
He explained that this amendment would empower Chiefs to play a more active role in governance and bring government closer to the people.
"Ghana has made lots of mistakes since independence by trying to keep the Chiefs away from Government, but I think we need to bring the Chiefs closer to help government," he noted.
This proposed amendment, he said, would ensure that traditional leaders are more integrated into the governance structure of the country.
Dr. Bawumia also emphasized the need to resource the Chieftaincy institution adequately, pointing out that many disputes could be resolved within the palaces rather than in the courts.
"The Chiefs can help us resolve many problems," he said, advocating for a stronger, more resourceful chieftaincy institution that would contribute to national development.
In a groundbreaking proposal, Dr. Bawumia vowed to introduce living allowances for Chiefs, stating that it was high time traditional leaders received compensation that reflects their importance in society.
"I am going to make sure the Chiefs are paid living allowances, not allowances that they cannot live on," he promised.
He further extended this commitment to cover Paramount Chiefs, Divisional Chiefs, Queenmothers, and the operational costs of palaces across the country.
"These are the major things I want to do when I become president," he asserted.
Dr. Bawumia called on the Ga Mantse and the people of the Ga State for their support in his presidential bid, promising that together, they could achieve these ambitious goals.
"I want your support and for you to help me to become president, and we will do all these," he appealed.
In a related development, Dr. Bawumia took the opportunity to introduce the NPP parliamentary candidate for the Ga Central constituency, Manaf Sowah, to the Ga Mantse, seeking the King's blessing and support for his candidacy.
"I want you to help him come to parliament, and if I am president, of course, Nii Ga, you are also president," he said, affirming his close ties with the Ga State.
Dr. Bawumia wished the Ga Mantse long life and prosperity, reiterating his commitment to a future where traditional leadership is valued, supported, and integral to Ghana's governance.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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