Respect the authority of the gazetted chief – Dr. Tanko to Weta community

The Volta Regional Representative on the Council of State, Dr. Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple has urged people of the Weta Traditional Area to respect the authority of the gazetted chief until a court ruling determines otherwise.

While speaking on Fafa FM’s Duamenefa programme, the Council of State member urged the rival chief who has not received any legal authority or been gazzetted to seek redress in court saying such disputes prevents the progress of development.

“The courts are there to ensure justice. If anyone feels wronged, the proper way is to seek redress lawfully — not through conflict or disunity,” he cautioned as quoted on myjoyonline.com

Recounting a recent incident, Dr Atokple described as “very unfortunate and uncalled for” a situation in which a designated site for community work was deliberately obstructed by truckloads of sand. According to him, one of the chiefs had ordered ten trucks of sand to be dumped at the venue, halting community activities. He said he had to personally hire an excavator to clear the sand before work could continue.

He lamented that such acts of sabotage undermine development efforts and discourage potential partners. Some high-profile guests who had planned to attend the festival reportedly cancelled their participation after hearing about the conflict.

“While some of us are working hard to bring development and attract investors to Weta, others are fighting over titles, which only brings setbacks. We must fight for progress, not positions,” he said passionately – as myjoyonline.com reported

Mr Atokple advised the claimant, who has not been gazetted, to seek redress through the courts if he believes he has a rightful claim to the stool, rather than inciting confusion and division within the traditional area. He stressed that Ghana is governed by laws, and any grievances over chieftaincy matters must be resolved through legitimate channels.

Background

In 2018, the families Yao Gbormasu Gate, the Biabia Gate and the Adoglo Gate, have petitioned the President of National House of Chiefs, Torgbe Afede and Attorney General over what they described as a fraudulent act of  “one Mr. Nelson Believer Glago, who is carrying himself about as Fiaga Ashiakpor VI of Weta Traditional Area”.

The family also went awake and installed one Mr. Emmanuel Gbeve as Togbiga Ashiakpor VI of Weta Traditional Area.