Chiefs Urged To Stay Neutral In Politics
The Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs, Hon. Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah, has called on traditional rulers across the country to remain neutral in partisan politics in order to safeguard peace, justice and national unity.
According to the Ahafo Ano South West Member of Parliament, chiefs who openly declare support for political parties risk compromising their neutrality in the discharge of their traditional duties, especially in the settlement of disputes.
Speaking to journalists after members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs paid a courtesy call on Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, Hon. Dapaah stressed the need for chiefs to stay away from political affiliations.
“It is my humble plea to our respected chiefs to remain neutral as far as partisan politics is concerned,” he stated.
He explained that whenever a chief openly supports a political party, the tendency for bias in judgment becomes high, a situation he said could undermine justice and peaceful coexistence in society.
“Any time a chief decides to show support for a political party, the tendency for such a chief to show bias in judgment is high, and that does not ensure peace,” he added.
Hon. Dapaah noted that chiefs play critical roles in promoting peace, unity and development in their various communities and should therefore avoid actions that could create division among their people.
The lawmaker further disclosed that the Asantehene, during the meeting, called for the National House of Chiefs to be adequately resourced to effectively handle chieftaincy disputes and support national development.
According to him, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also emphasised truth and fairness in resolving disputes across the country.
Hon. Dapaah described it as a privilege to join the committee in paying a courtesy call on the Asantehene and celebrating his 27th anniversary on the Golden Stool.
