The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has said the merger of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development with Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs testifies to the government’s reverence and high recognition of traditional authorities in matters of governance.

“We will always need to tap your experiences and wisdom in steering the affairs of the country,” he told a council of chiefs and queens of Amugo-Wego and sister communities led by the Paramount Chief, Togbui Tenge Dzokoto Gligui VII, who paid a courtesy call on him at the Residency in Ho last Sunday.

He said the new ministry had now helped to bridge the gap between political authorities and traditional establishments.

Mr Gunu pledged the Volta Regional Coordinating Council’s (RCC) stance to work with traditional authorities in the national interest.

The minister described as heart-warming the visit by the chiefs, saying it demonstrated their great concern for the welfare of the region.

Ready to serve

For his part, Togbui Tenge Dzokoto Gligui, who is also the Dufia of Anyako-Konu and the Head of the Bate Clan of Anlo, entreated the regional minister to focus on the good of the entire region and prove his worth as a leader ready to serve his people through thick and thin.

He said one important requirement for progress was the respect for chiefs, which the regional minister had always exhibited.

The paramount chief also reminded Mr Gunu to be tolerant of people of different backgrounds and opinions, since the Volta Region was culturally and geographically diverse.

“With tolerance, there can be unity in diversity,” he added.