Volta chiefs want new page relationship with politicians

The Volta Region House of Chiefs Friday advised political office holders from the region to turn a new page in their relationship with chiefs in the region.

The House observed that it had not been impressed with the manner in which appointees from the Region related to chiefs and people once they got into office.

Togbe Afede XIV, President of the House, Togbe Kwaku Ayim, Paramount Chief of Ziavi, Togbe Tepre Hodo Paramount chief of Anfoega and Osie Adjatekpor Osie of Avatime stated this at the first general meeting of the House this year in Ho.

This was in response to invitation from the Deputy Volta Regional Minister Mr Henry Ametefe to the House not to “hesitate to summon us and correct us.”

Mr Ametefe acknowledged that “where we can’t go you will” and called for “re-engineering our relationships,” towards the rapid development of the region.

Togbe Afede said it was time the House got Members of Parliament (MPs,) Ministers of State, Municipal and District Chief Executives to really represent the interest of the region.

Togbe Ayim observed that political office holders from the region had demonstrated over the years that the chiefs were only important when it came to elections.

He said the politicians hardly had time to see chiefs from the region when they called on them.

“Let’s tell them we have put them in office”, he said.

Togbe Tepre Hodo on his part urged the House to set aside specific periods every year to invite and engage with political office holders on the development of the region.

He explained that the chiefs were not likely to receive the level of attention they required if they sought audience with such office holders individually.

Togbe Hodo said if the politicians persisted in snubbing the House “then at the appropriate time we punish them.”

Osie Adjatekpor reminded the politicians that chiefs as leaders had useful ideas which they could share towards the region’s development.

Source: GNA