CHIEFS, PARTIES, OTHERS MUST WORK IN UNITY ...Yamson advises (PAGE 16, DEC 11)

A former Chairman of Unilever (Ghana), Mr Ishmael Yamson, has called for a harmonious relationship among chiefs, political parties and district assemblies for the development of the country.
Mr Yamson, who is also the Gyaasehene of Breman Kuntanase, said since the three institutions shared the single objective of bringing about development and prosperity and ensuring the well-being of the people, they should not be seen as sources of conflict, tension and sharp division.
Speaking on the topic, “Sustaining Democratic Governance in Ghana: The dichotomy between the chieftaincy institution and the political parties and the district assemblies”, Mr Yamson said the only difference between the three institutions was the level of operation.
The symposium formed part of activities to mark the Odwira Festival of the chiefs and people of Breman Baako and the 10th anniversary of Barima Kweku Adu-Twum Brawiri II, the Chief of Breman Baako and Akyempimhene of the Breman Traditional Area.
Mr. Yamson said currently the chieftaincy institution and political parties seemed to be drifting poles apart for no reason, while the assemblies, which were supposed to be non-partisan, toed party lines.
He urged the people to be vigilant and demand accountability and transparency from the district assemblies which he said had been engulfed in corruption and remained unaccountable for the huge sums they received from the central government.
He was critical of some district chief executives who squandered money meant for development for their personal and selfish interest.
Mr. Yamson said unless the people lived together, maintained vigilance and moved in one direction, not even the oil money could save the country.
He challenged politicians to stand up against corruption and other actions which were not in the interest of the people.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Search-lite Foundation and Chairman of the National Service Board, Mr Nkunu Akyea, described the dichotomy in governance as self-inflicted because the people had either allowed it or rather adopted or visited it upon themselves.
The Omanhene of the Breman Asikuma Traditional Area, Nana Amoakwa Boadu VIII, who chaired the function, advised the people to look into the frivolous dichotomy which existed among the three institutions in order to avoid conflicts and live in harmony for mutual benefit and development.