The Ga Central Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Emmanuel Addo Allotey, has stressed the importance of traditional authorities in local governance, saying sustainable development cannot be achieved without their support and active participation.

He said the  government, under President John Dramani Mahama, recognised chiefs as custodians of Ghanaian culture, values and land, and remained committed to strengthening collaboration with them.

Mr Allotey explained that the integration of the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs portfolio into the Ministry of Local  Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs was aimed at deepening cooperation among local authorities, traditional leaders and religious bodies to promote sustainable development and social cohesion.

He said this at the Ga Central Municipal Assembly's engagement with chiefs at Ablekuma last Thursday.

Development partnership

Mr Allotey said the meeting was to update chiefs on ongoing and planned projects, seek their views, identify community priorities and strengthen collaboration between the assembly and traditional authorities.

He said the engagement also reviewed security arrangements for the upcoming Homowo Festival and provided an opportunity for chiefs to raise concerns affecting their communities.

The MCE said the assembly, with support from the government and development partners, had undertaken projects, including mechanised boreholes in underserved communities, an astroturf at Israel Lorry Park, classroom blocks at Chantan-Abeka Motorway and Agape, a modern health centre and the ongoing Anyaa 24-Hour Economy Market.

He appealed to chiefs to support the assembly's anti-flooding exercise, disclosing that 194 structures had been marked for demolition, and urged them to release unused lands for development projects.

Homowo security

The Odorkor Divisional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Kofi Sarpong, advised parties involved in chieftaincy disputes to seek redress at the Ga Traditional Council, explaining that the police had no mandate to determine such matters.

The Presiding Member, Michael Acquah, called for regular consultations with stakeholders.