The Chief of Kwesimintsim Traditional Area, Nana Egodzi Esson III has bemoaned the rate at which modernity and urbanization is affecting the role of chieftaincy.
He describes the two as major setbacks affecting traditional rulership in the country.
Nana Egodzi Esson shares some history on the settlement of the people of Kwesimintsim on Spice 91.9FM as part of Sankofa Heritage Month which seeks to promote the indigenous culture of the Western Region observed that chiefs are on the verge of losing their value as traditional leaders due to politicization.
Kwesimintsim is a town found within the Effia – Kwesimintsim Metropolitan Assembly (EKMA) with a majority of the populace being Ahantas, who annually celebrate the Kundum festival.
His comment comes on the back of politicians who interfere with the duties of traditional leaders. Nana Egodzi said, “In the olden days, it was the duty of the traditional leader to organize communal labour but such function has been taken over by the Assembly Members in various communities.
He added that chiefs are no longer respected as compared to the days of old when chiefs wield greater power than politicians.
Nana Egodzi III opined that politicians want to oppress chiefs with some of their conduct, citing that there is a bill in Parliament that gives further powers to traditional rulers to sanction any politician who disrespects them.
“A bill was laid on the floor of Parliament to ensure that chiefs punish those lawmakers who flout laws initiated by chiefs. The bill has been in Parliament for years but nothing is being done about it,” he said.
He, however, blamed politicians for failing to recognise chiefs as traditional heads, and not according them the necessary respect and honour.
