Council of State Member urges Weta chiefs to include lawful, non violent answer to chieftaincy dispute – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

Council of State Member urges Weta chiefs to include lawful, non-violent answer to chieftaincy dispute — The ongoing leadership conflict in Ghana’s Weta Traditional Area has sparked concerns over community cohesion and development. As tensions escalate between rival claimants to the Torgbiga Akpo Ashiakpor VI throne, stakeholders and legal experts emphasize the need for peaceful, lawful resolutions. This article dissects the dispute, its implications, and actionable strategies for addressing such conflicts while upholding Ghana’s constitutional framework. Learn how traditional and modern systems can collaborate to prevent disruptions to cultural events and economic progress.

Analysis

Origins of the Chieftaincy Dispute

The Weta chieftaincy dispute centers on competing claims to the paramount title of Torgbiga Akpo Ashiakpor VI. According to Mr. Gabriel Kwamiga Tanko Atokple, a Council of State member representing the Volta Region, only one chief has been formally recognized through official gazetting. The unrecognized claimant has avoided legal avenues, instead organizing parallel events during the Weta Morluza (Rice) Festival—a move interpreted as an attempt to legitimize his authority outside established processes.

Community Division and Economic Impact

The dispute has fractured local unity. During the Weta Morluza Festival—a cultural and economic cornerstone—rival factions allegedly hosted conflicting celebrations, alienating participants and sponsors. A particularly egregious incident involved the deliberate obstruction of a community project site with sand, halting construction until Mr. Atokple personally intervened. This sabotage not only delayed development but deterred high-profile visitors, underscoring how internal strife undermines collective advancement.

Summary

Mr. Atokple, speaking on Duamenefa radio (hosted by Abaas Seidu), urged all parties to prioritize legal recourse over public confrontations. His remarks highlight the risks of leadership disputes in traditional areas and the role of institutions like the Council of State and the Volta Regional House of Chiefs in addressing such crises. The article underscores the importance of transparency, legal accountability, and community-focused leadership in maintaining stability.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Steps for Resolution

1. File a petition with the High Court to challenge unrecognized claims.
2. Engage the House of Chiefs for neutral arbitration within traditional frameworks.
3. Renounce public challenges until legal proceedings conclude.

Community Engagement Strategies

To rebuild trust, leaders should:

• Publicly endorse the legal process via public statements or community assemblies.
• Host forums to address grievances related to chieftaincy and governance.

Points of Caution

Risks of Extra-Legal Actions

• Violent confrontations could lead to charges under Ghana’s Public Order Act (Cap. 61:32).
• Unauthorized claims to chieftaincy may invalidate a leader’s authority post-dispute.

Long-Term Implications for Governance

Persistent disputes erode the legitimacy of traditional institutions. Leaders must avoid actions that:

• Undermine public trust in local governance.
• Interfere with national development agendas.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Modern Conflict Resolution

Traditional systems prioritize communal harmony through elders’ mediation, while modern approaches rely on courts and legislation. In Weta’s case, a hybrid model—combining customary law with judicial oversight—may offer the most sustainable resolution.

Legal Implications

Under Ghana’s Chieftaincy Act (CLA), chieftaincy disputes must adhere to:

1. Judicial review: Courts determine competence and eligibility of claimants.
2. Gazetting: Official recognition by the state is mandatory for legitimacy.

Non-compliance can result in fines, disqualification from public office, or stripping of chieftaincy titles.

Conclusion

Mr. Atokple’s call for lawful resolution reflects broader national efforts to align traditional governance with constitutional norms. By leveraging legal frameworks and fostering dialogue, Weta’s leaders can transform conflict into an opportunity for unity. The incident at the Morluza Festival serves as a cautionary tale: progress thrives where tradition and law coexist harmoniously.

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