The Sanaahene of Dormaa Traditional Area, Baffour Surv. Ing. Dr. Kwadwo Damoah-Afari has advised MMDAs to include Chiefs in their Executive Committees and Public Relations and Complaints Committees due to their crucial roles, especially in conflict and dispute resolution, particularly mentioning the use of knowledge of traditional laws and customs to ensure peace and stability of the society.

Dr. Damoah – Afari said this while lecturing at a Symposium on the theme “Chieftaincy and Culture in Modern Day Local Government System” to mark the maiden Ghana Day Celebration at the Dormaa East District.

The Assembly, led by the current Coordinating Director, Mr. Mark Maxwell Mensah, organized the programmes to commemorate Ghana Month celebrations, which is gradually gaining roots across the country. It was to enable staff to reflect on the country’s historical events and cultural heritage and how these values fit and shape the efficiency and effectiveness of modern corporate life and also to socialize.

The events, sponsored by management and private partners of the District Assembly, were characterized by the wearing of traditional clothes, cultural displays, recital of poems on Ghanaian culture and optional speeches. It was later climaxed by a funfair at the Dormaa East Eco Tourist Centre.

Itemizing their roles, Baffour Damoah-Afari reiterated that Chiefs have since pre-colonial days held the Executive, Legislative and Judicial positions in their respective domains; hence, their active participation in modern-day local governance cannot be underestimated. He therefore called on the authorities of local government to see them as partners in the general well-being and development of the communities.

The District Coordinating Director, Mr. Mark Maxwell Mensah in a welcome address, explained that due to the adulteration of our cultural norms, most people today do not know the traditions of their societies and the sustenance of such events would not only bring about socialization but inculcate into the modern Ghanaian some cultural values and make them appreciate the core principles upon which communities exit.

He added that the continues awareness these events create would also help the modern Ghanaian appreciate their background and identity. He said that the intention is to make it an annual corporate event, and its success will pave the way for others like DEDA Month, which will be a means of generating revenue in support of the Assembly.

The funfair was strategically held at Nseseresu; to market the Dormaa East Eco Tourist Centre with a Canopy Walkway on the Dam. The participants were treated to local drinks, games, food, dance and other exciting activities.

Source: Linda Osei Fobi, Dormaa East District Information Officer