…Bawumia promises; to lump long-suffering economy with more expenditures.
Thirteen years after the Supreme Court of Ghana knocked down Section 63. (d) of the Cheftaincy Act of Ghana (Act 759) 2008, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is promising to bring it back.
Section 63. (d) was knocked down by the Supreme Court in 2011 following a suit. It has been a longstanding pain to Ghana’s chiefs that one tool by which they could exercise coercion over citizens and members of the public, like the Police and Courts, had been knocked out of their hands.
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate for the 2024 general elections has been going round to chiefs and palaces promising to bring back the provision, which became such a bone of contention between citizens and chiefs that it was eventually challenged in the Supreme Court by Lawyer Adjei Ampofo, and knocked down.
The latest such event where Dr. Bawumia made this pledge to strengthen the yoke of Chiefs over citizens was at Ada.
Addressing chiefs and residents in Ada, he promised to amend Section 63 of the Chieftaincy Act to empower traditional authorities.
Before the Supreme Court knocked it down, Section 63. (d) had made it an offense to fail to heed the call of a Chief. According to Dr. Bawumia, Chiefs are so crucial for effective governance, that Section 63 should be amended and Chiefs elevated from the role of traditional leaders to make them greater players in local development.
Dr Bawumia underscored the importance of traditional authorities in local governance, pledging to strengthen their role in community development.
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Dr Bawumia also pledged to provide living allowances for paramount chiefs, divisional chiefs, and queen mothers to support their efforts in maintaining cultural heritage and community leadership.
Highlighting the NPP’s achievements under President Nana Akufo-Addo, Dr Bawumia noted that the party’s initiatives, such as digital transformation and free education, have significantly contributed to national progress.
He assured the people of Ada that, if elected, his administration would continue to prioritise development and empower traditional leaders to play a more active role in governance.
Naa Dornukie, the NPP parliamentary candidate for Ada, expressed strong confidence in Dr Bawumia’s leadership, attributing his unifying and humble approach as a key factor that would secure his victory in the 2024 elections.
She praised his dedication to bringing all party members on board, fostering a spirit of respect and cooperation within the NPP.
“Dr Bawumia’s leadership is characterized by humility and inclusiveness. He respects everyone and expects mutual respect within the party, which has been crucial in uniting the NPP,” she said.
She also highlighted Dr Bawumia’s promise to build a vibrant private sector, creating opportunities for the youth and women, which she believes aligns with the aspirations of many Ghanaians.
Naa Dornukie urged party members to rally behind the flag bearer’s leadership, stating that his vision for unity, purpose, and inclusivity presents a winning strategy for the NPP.
According to her, Dr Bawumia’s leadership style reflects the needs of the times, and his focus on economic empowerment offers a clear path for Ghana’s continued development, therefore calling on Ghanaians, especially the youth and women, to support him as his leadership provides the best opportunity for a prosperous future.
Naa Dornukie added that the NPP is poised for victory in the upcoming elections, ensuring continued progress and stability for the country.
