Nana otabil: Nana Okukudurfo Kweku Asona Otabil X, the Adontenhene of the Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Area, has called on the relevant authorities to implement strict measures to regulate the use of muskets during public events such as traditional rites, festivals, and funeral ceremonies.
According to Ghana News Agency, Nana Otabil, who is also the Chief of Gomoa Ablekum in Gomoa West, emphasized that while the practice remains an important aspect of Ghanaian tradition and culture, the lack of proper regulation poses high risks to public safety and needs to be addressed during such events.
The chief made the call at Agona Swedru, when he spoke to the media during the final funeral rites of the late Nana Dr. Bright Oduro Kwarteng, former Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government in the first administration of President John Mahama.
The funeral of the late Chief Director, who was also the Gyantuahene of Agona Swedru, was attended by Chief Directors of the Ministry of Local Government and Tourism, Municipal and District Chief Executives, MPs, Paramount Chiefs and Queen Mothers, and Mr. Kwesi Pratt, the Managing Editor of Insight Newspaper, as well as the hierarchy of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP).
Nana Asona Otabil highlighted that beyond the risk of injuring or killing people on the spot during such events, the health risk posed by the thick smoke produced by muskets is significant.
A regulation by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs would therefore be instrumental in curbing such occurrences during public ceremonies.
He urged the youth to adopt responsible lifestyles and engage in productive activities that would promote effective and efficient development in their communities and the nation at large.
Meanwhile, the chiefs, MPs, and MMDCEs who attended the late Gyantuahene's funeral described him as a man of peace who was development-oriented, generous, committed, and a hardworking public servant who contributed to the development of Agona Swedru and the nation.
The Swedruman Council of Chiefs, led by the regent of Agona Swedru, Nana Kweku Esieni V, also paid their last respects to the late Gyantuahene, who was also a member of the council.