Torgbiga Adamah III, the Paramount Chief of the Somè Traditional Area and President of the Somè Traditional Council, has urged the government to establish clear policy guidelines defining the respective duties, responsibilities, and limits of authority of traditional authorities and local government institutions. He made the call at the grand durbar of the Somètutuza 2026 at Agbozume, emphasizing the need for cooperation between chiefs, traditional councils, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs), and other local government institutions. This, he believes, will prevent unnecessary conflicts in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Paramount Chief noted that the decision to place chieftaincy and local government under one ministry provided an opportunity for closer collaboration between the two institutions. However, he stressed that the arrangement needed to be supported by clearly defined guidelines to establish the respective roles and limits of authority of traditional and local government structures. Torgbiga Adamah made this appeal to the government, citing his experience within the Ketu South Municipality, where he had drawn the attention of the Municipal Chief Executive to actions he considered inappropriate or contrary to the interests of the people.
Torgbiga Adamah revealed that some of his concerns had been met with offence and disrespectful remarks, adding that disagreements between public officials and traditional leaders should instead be resolved through respectful dialogue. He emphasized that clear institutional guidelines would help provide a basis for resolving such differences and ensure that both traditional and local government authorities worked towards the common interests of the people. The Paramount Chief reaffirmed the political neutrality of traditional authorities, stating that chiefs had no intention of interfering in the internal affairs of political parties.
However, Torgbiga Adamah noted that traditional authorities remained interested in the quality of leadership offered to the people, particularly as political parties prepared towards the 2028 general election. He appealed to political parties and their delegates to consider the integrity, competence, and ability of prospective leaders to unite the constituency when choosing candidates. The Paramount Chief urged delegates to prioritize the long-term development of Ketu South over immediate personal benefits or financial inducements.
Torgbiga Adamah identified the need for leaders committed to peace, employment, infrastructure, and sustainable development in the constituency. He assured that the Traditional Authority was prepared to cooperate with duly elected representatives who respected traditional institutions and demonstrated commitment to the welfare of the people. The Paramount Chief commended Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, for his consistent respect for chiefs and traditional authorities, which he believes has contributed to peace, cooperation, and development in the region.
The Paramount Chief encouraged Mr. Gunu to continue setting a worthy example of engagement between government and traditional authorities. Beyond governance, Torgbiga Adamah emphasized that the development of the Somè Traditional Area required cooperation among the Traditional Authority, Municipal Assembly, government, private sector, and development partners. He highlighted challenges such as inadequate potable water, coastal erosion, inadequate public facilities, and environmental degradation, which require collective action.
Torgbiga Adamah called for greater investment in education, employable skills, mentorship, agriculture, fisheries, information technology, and salt-based industries to create opportunities for the youth. He emphasized that the Somètutuza should not be limited to cultural celebration but should also renew the people’s commitment to unity, service, and development. The event was attended by various stakeholders, including government officials, traditional leaders, and community members.
Key points
- The Paramount Chief of Somè Traditional Area calls for clear guidelines to define the roles of traditional authorities and local government institutions.
- Torgbiga Adamah III emphasizes the need for cooperation between chiefs, traditional councils, and local government institutions to prevent conflicts.
- The Paramount Chief commends the Volta Regional Minister for his respect for chiefs and traditional authorities.
