Sunyani: Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, a human rights activist and development advocate, has called on traditional authorities to guard against behaviors and practices that desecrate the sacredness of the chieftaincy institution. Describing the chieftaincy as revered and noble, he urged chiefs and queens to uphold the ancient dignity of the institution.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ahenu, also the Founder and CEO of the Sunyani-based Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), made this call during an interview on the roles of traditional authorities in local government. He expressed concern over behaviors of some chiefs and queens undermining the institution’s integrity, particularly their involvement in partisan politics and public disputes, which tarnish its image.

Mr Ahenu explained that the 1992 Constitution discourages chiefs and queens from engaging in active partisan politics, emphasizing that the chieftaincy institution in Ghana is seen as an embodiment of heritage, customs, and values, with chiefs as custodians of culture and agents of peace. He urged traditional authorities to avoid acts that ‘can desecrate their stools’ and to promote peace, unity, and social cohesion for progressive development.

Highlighting the importance of chiefs in conflict mediation and development, Mr Ahenu called on the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs to strengthen internal mechanisms to monitor the conduct of chiefs to uphold the dignity of the chieftaincy institution. He also urged the government and civil society to support efforts to preserve the sanctity of traditional leadership.

Mr Ahenu’s advocacy comes amid growing public discourse on the role of chiefs in contemporary governance and the need for reforms to align traditional authority with modern society’s demands.