La Shikitele Speaks Out Against La Traditional Council Suspension
The La Traditional Council’s recent suspension by the government has sparked controversy, with La Shikitele, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, questioning the legal basis for the decision.
The Ministry of Religious and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs enacted the suspension, effective September 26, 2024, to improve the council’s operations.
However, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV criticized the suspension, suggesting the government should prioritize tackling illegal mining activities, known as “galamsey,” instead of interfering with the council’s internal affairs ¹ ⁴. He denied allegations of land sales attributed to the council and expressed dissatisfaction with the suspension.
Key Points:
- Suspension Details: The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs suspended the La Traditional Council’s activities until further notice.
- Government Instructions: Government institutions are instructed not to engage with individuals or groups claiming to represent the La Traditional Council.
- Land Issues on Hold: All paramount stool land issues are on hold until the council’s operations resume or a new La Chief is enstooled.
- La Shikitele’s Response: Nii Adjei Koofeh IV denied allegations of land sales and urged the government to focus on addressing galamsey.
The suspension has raised concerns about the government’s involvement in traditional council affairs. The La Shikitele’s response highlights the need for clarity on the suspension’s legal grounds and the government’s priorities.
