Kumasi: Mrs. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, Decentralisation and Rural Development, has officially launched the 2025 Chieftaincy Awards. The prestigious award aims to recognise and honour hardworking and dedicated chiefs who have demonstrated significant commitment to the development of their communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the award scheme was launched alongside the Royal Investment Summit at a culturally rich event attended by key personalities within the chieftaincy landscape, including Nii Adote Otintor, Sempe Mantse. The event, on the theme 'A United Front for Environmental Awareness, Royal Investment and Tourism Promotion,' is scheduled to take place on 3rd and 4th October at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi.
The launch event featured several engaging activities, including a spoken word performance by Ohemaa Efua Tandoh, a musical performance by Mr. Bessa Simons, and a captivating cultural display by Asodzi Dance Theatre. In her remarks, the Deputy Minister underscored the pivotal role of traditional leaders in Ghana's governance, highlighting their contributions through dispute resolution, cultural preservation, and community development.
Mrs. Odoley Sowah highlighted the historical significance of chiefs and queen mothers as pillars of governance during the early days of Ghanaian institutional development. 'They led, adjudicated, they upheld, they unified, they guarded the soul of the people, preserving customs, defending lands and maintaining balance and dignity in our homes and communities,' she affirmed. She maintained that chiefs' vital role in Ghana's governance landscape continued into the present day, often without widespread public recognition.
She pointed out that traditional leaders were actively involved in resolving disputes, guiding the youth, advancing culture, and steering community development. According to her, the 2025 Ghana Chieftaincy Awards are not just timely but necessary, serving as an intentional act of remembrance and reward, stressing the invaluable, often unseen contributions of Ghana's traditional leaders.
Nana Obokese Ampah, Chief Executive Officer of the Obokese Foundation, organisers of the Ghana Chieftaincy Awards, revealed the key focus areas of the award scheme. These include the development of chieftaincy, rural support, women and youth empowerment, and diaspora integration. He also announced a partnership with Black Star Experience, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, and the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development for this year's awards, stressing how the collaboration would further promote chieftaincy and tourism.
