The Otumfour Centre for Traditional Leadership (OCTL) at University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA) is hosting traditional leaders from all around Ghana for the annual Training for Chiefs and Staff of Traditional Councils, and Regional and National House of Chiefs.
The five-day training seeks to empower the chiefs and leaders through education on good governance and effective leadership so that they can be the change agents that will lead their communities to develop.
The opening ceremony on Monday was dominated by cultural performances as well as speeches stressing the importance of the training.
The speakers included UPSA Vice-Chancellor Professor Abednego F.O. Amartey, Director of OCTL, Lepowura M.N.D Jawula, and the Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V.
The Vice-Chancellor Professor Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey’s opening statement served to reinforce the value of traditional leaders and the benefits of this training. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability as well as continued training in leadership and operational skills to make the dynamic role of traditional leaders thrive even as they navigate the shifting paradigms of society.
Issues of land administration, conflict resolution, and document management among others will all be addressed at the workshops throughout the week. The role and importance of traditional leaders have come into question severally in contemporary times.
Many questions if traditional leadership can coexist with formal governments and still be the leaders of justice and peace in their communities. The training will end on Friday, 12 May 2017 with a spectacular closing ceremony showcasing the cultural dances and music of the traditional leaders in attendance.
