Tema-Ghana, Aug. 24, GNA – The Tema Traditional Council (TTC) has inaugurated a 13-member Kpeshimaꬼ Advisory Board to advise the Council in the performance of its functions in accordance with the tenets of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759).
The Act stipulates that the House of Chiefs and Traditional Councils may establish bodies or committees and regulate their own procedures peculiar to their area.
Mr. Emmanuel Okoe Adjetey, a former board chairperson of the TDC heads the advisory board, which is made up of Tema natives.
They are Mr. Isaac Ashai Odamtten, Tema East Member of Parliament; Mr. Yohane Amarh Ashitey, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive; Mr. Samuel Evans Ashong Narh, a former Chief Executive Officer of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly; and Mr. Joseph Ashitey.
Others are Ms Gifty Ashitsoo Boi-Bi-Boi, Ms. Alberta Korkor Larbi, the Reverend Enoch Laryea, Ms. Florence Adjeley Larbi, Mr. Mathew Adjei Adjetey-Okunko, Mr. Sheriff Amarh, Mr. Cephas Adjei Mensah, and Dr. Eben Tawiah Anuwa-Amarh.
Nii Adjetey Agbo II, the Tema Mankralo and Acting President of the TTC, said even though Tema had its fair share of developmental challenges stemming from their resettlement and protracted chieftaincy disputes, the TTC had demonstrated the need to harness the potential at its disposal with a unity of purpose.
Nii Agbo said the Board was the brainchild of the late Tema Mantse, Nii Adjei Kraku II, adding that it was an important body in the decision-making process of the TTC and could be viewed as an important arena for institutional change, quality assurance, efficiency, and effectiveness.
He said the Board had the mandate to promote constant interaction between the TTC and the users of its services and advised the TTC on adjustments in policy directions, planning objectives, and operational strategies.
The Board is also to formulate policies, including those of traditional office bearers, for the enhancement of the work of the TTC, engage corporate institutions and companies within the traditional area for corporate social responsibilities, and handle related matters in the discharge of its function.
Mr. Emmanuel Okoe Adjetey, the Chairman of the Advisory Board, thanked the TTC for the confidence he reposed in them and gave the assurance that they would discharge their duties with passion and professionally.
Mr. Adjetey said 500 years ago natives had existed and were relocated to make way for the construction of the Tema Harbour and the Tema planned communities.
Mr. Ayaa Kojo Armah, the First Vice President of the Ga-Dangme Council, who was the Special Guest, said the laid-down procedures for the enstooling and destooling of chiefs must always be followed by traditional kingmakers to help address chieftaincy disputes in the Region.
They took oaths of membership and secrecy administered by Justice Kwesi Boakye, Tema High Court Judge, who urged them to discharge their duties in accordance with the law as their creation was backed by the laws of Ghana.
