Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has emphasized the vital role that traditional leaders play in the nation’s development, urging them to steer political discussions towards honesty and progress.
He stressed that traditional authorities, with their impeccable reputation, are pivotal in shaping the country’s political landscape as guardians of Ghana’s rich heritage.
Speaker Bagbin, who is also the Tengmaale Naa of Takpo Traditional Area, pointed out the country’s declining state, noting the exploitation of lands by outsiders facilitated by locals, the inadequate provision of food for schoolchildren, and the prevailing culture of defending questionable policies on media platforms.
Addressing the Wilaa Festival of the Takpo Traditional Area during the weekend, the Speaker criticized those in power for their indifference towards the underprivileged, a situation that has led to a lack of integrity, respect, and sincerity among the youth, attributing these issues to the erosion of cultural, traditional, and moral values.
Quoting Socrates to buttress his point, he stressed the need to take a deep introspection and ask ourselves what we want for this country in the near future.
“Almost everything is gone amok in this country,” he stated.
He added that Ghanaians should remember that it is their culture which identifies them as a people and anchors them to develop.
“Therefore we as Ghanaians should be mindful of what we accept in our culture in the name of globalization and human rights and cited the Bible according to First Corinthians 6: 12 that “all things are lawful but not all are expedient.”
Touching on the theme of the festival: “Nuoriyeni, maaronganeng maaluu,” he indicated that it was very apt and inspiring and stressed that festivals are used as effective catalysts for unity, peace and development.
“Festivals are effective tools of sustainable development and peacebuilding. The celebration of festivals gives meaning to life and communal living. I dare say, any community without a festival is a dead society.”
He called on all sons and daughters of the Takpo Traditional Area to get involved in issues of concern and be interested in the development of the community.
He applauded Takpo Naa, Queen mothers, Queens, elders and Takpoolo for the establishment and continuous celebration of the Wilaa festival for more than twenty-six years now.
It will be recalled that last year the Chiefs, elders and the citizens of Takpo bestowed an honour on the Speaker, as the Tengmaale Naa, i e, the development chief of the Takpo Traditional Area.
He has therefore pledged to do everything possible within his means, to support the development and well-being of the people of the area.
Takpo is richly endowed in gold and Azumah Resources has been given the licence to exploit it however, not much has been done.
He therefore called on the Government through the Minerals Commission to grant community licenses to enable the teeming youth to engage in legal and responsible mining within the community.
