Former President John Dramani Mahama received a royal welcome on Thursday during his visit to the Ga Mantse’s Palace in Accra, where he met with the Ga Traditional Council.
The meeting was part of his ongoing #Mahama4Change2024 campaign in the Greater Accra Region, aimed at strengthening ties with traditional leaders and discussing the role of traditional authorities in Ghana’s development.
Expressing gratitude to King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the chiefs, queen mothers, wulomei, and opinion leaders, Mr. Mahama commended the council for their warm reception and the rich display of Ga culture and tradition.
He noted that the visit reinforced his appreciation for the critical role traditional leaders play in preserving Ghana’s heritage and fostering development.
“Our discussions reaffirmed the importance of fostering strong relationships with traditional authorities,” Mahama said. “These leaders are not only custodians of our traditions but also key stakeholders in our development agenda.”
During the meeting, Mr. Mahama reiterated his commitment to partnering with traditional authorities to promote heritage festivals.
He described these festivals as vital avenues for boosting cultural tourism, strengthening local economies, and showcasing Ghana’s traditions to the world.
“In our 2024 #ResettingGhana Manifesto, we have pledged to increase the representation of traditional authorities in our decentralised governance structures,” he stated. “Their insights are invaluable for shaping policies that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of our people.”
Mr. Mahama emphasized the need for a more inclusive governance system that integrates traditional leaders, enabling them to play a more active role in policy-making and development efforts.
He reiterated his belief that empowering chiefs and other traditional authorities could strengthen Ghana’s cultural identity and governance system.
Looking ahead, the former president expressed optimism about collaborating with traditional authorities across the country to uplift communities and advance national development.
This visit forms part of Mr. Mahama’s broader campaign efforts to engage with stakeholders nationwide as he seeks to return to power in 2024.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
