Accra: His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has urged traditional and community leaders to ensure that authority is used as a tool for unity and development, rather than a source of division among communities. He emphasized the importance of traditional authorities and community leadership structures working in harmony to promote peaceful coexistence, especially within Zongo communities, while respecting their unique identities and leadership frameworks.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Ga Mantse delivered this message at the Zongo Chiefs Conference, organized by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in Accra. The conference, themed 'The Zongo Development Agenda,' aimed at exploring strategies to redevelop Zongo communities and enhance the living standards of their residents. HRM Teiko Tsuru II highlighted the theme's alignment with the national agenda of involving non-state actors in the development discourse of cities, towns, and communities.
The Ga Mantse stressed the vital role of traditional authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders in fostering national integration and ensuring that the development of Zongo communities is incorporated into Ghana's broader development strategy. He acknowledged the historical contributions of Zongo communities to Ghana's social, cultural, and economic progress, emphasizing the need to preserve and leverage their diversity for national advancement.
As the President of the Ga Traditional Council, HRM Teiko Tsuru II pointed out the significance of the youth in shaping the future of Zongo communities. He called on stakeholders to engage with young people, understand their challenges, and support their aspirations. He warned against the risks of unemployment, poverty, exclusion, and hopelessness, which could lead young people to negative influences such as crime and extremism.
The Ga Mantse advocated for increased investment in areas such as skills training, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and employment partnerships with the private sector to provide opportunities for the youth. Additionally, he underscored the importance of investing in women in Zongo communities, recognizing them as key contributors to community development and urging improved access to resources and opportunities for them.
He also emphasized the necessity of maintaining constructive relationships between Zongo community leadership and traditional authorities, advocating for the preservation of Zongo communities' identities and leadership structures within the traditional and customary context of their regions. The Ga Mantse called for the establishment of effective communication channels to resolve disputes and promote dialogue in cases of disagreement.
HRM Teiko Tsuru II expressed his hope that the conference would lead to tangible commitments and actions to address the challenges facing Zongo communities, rather than being a mere formality. He urged stakeholders to invest in the education and future of the youth and work collectively to build inclusive communities that contribute to Ghana's national progress.