The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has inaugurated the Kpedze Traditional Council in the Ho West District of the Volta Region on Friday, 11th October 2024, marking a significant milestone in the governance and development of the Kpedze community.
As part of the ceremony, Togbega Atridom V, the Paramount Chief of the Kpedze Traditional Area, was sworn in as the President of the council, along with other council members. The District Magistrate, Her Worship Comfort A. Apalayine, administered the oath of membership, oath of judiciary, and oath of secrecy, ensuring their commitment to upholding the laws and serving the community with integrity.
The Sector Minister, Dr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, whose speech was delivered by Mr. Baafi Nsiah, the Chief Registrar of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, said the government attaches great importance to the administration of chieftaincy in the country, as chiefs play critical roles in maintaining peace and fostering development.
Mr. Nsiah highlighted the evolving role of chiefs, from being responsible for defending and expanding territories, to now leading efforts against environmental degradation, poverty reduction, and other challenges critical to local and national development. This new role, he indicated, requires that chiefs receive training to adapt and execute their responsibilities effectively.
Mr. Nsiah encouraged the new traditional council to establish the structures needed for development in the traditional area. He noted that there is a lot of work to be done, adding that the inauguration should serve to integrate the people of Kpedze, rather than divide them, in order to achieve endless development. He further assured the Ministry’s support in providing staff, logistics, and training to help the council carry out its administrative duties effectively.
Mr. Harry Attipoe, the Registrar for the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, noted that the inauguration was in fulfillment of section 12(1) of the Chieftaincy Act, Act 759 of 2008, which mandates the establishment of traditional councils for every paramountcy. He explained that the members of the council, as stipulated in section 14(1) of the Act, consist of chiefs whose names are registered in the national register. He further emphasized that the council was inaugurated for the entire community, not just for individuals.
The newly sworn in President of the Kpedze Traditional Council, Togbega Atridom V, in his address expressed hope that the milestone would not only strengthen and unit the people of Kpedze but also pave way for greater process and development.
The District Chief Executive for Ho West, Hon. Ernest Victor Apau, in his address, expressed deep pride in the elevation of the Kpedze Traditional Area to a council status, recognizing its significance in promoting unity, peace, and development within the district. The DCE called on the people of Kpedze to support their traditional leaders, stressing that development and progress can only be achieved when the community stands together.
Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, the Member of Parliament, also emphasized the importance of collaboration and reminded the citizens to remain united, as the council’s success depends on the support and participation of every individual within the community.
The inauguration formalizes the council’s authority and independence, empowering it to lead initiatives in local development, cultural preservation and community unity.
Source: ISD, Ho West District V/R
