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President Nana Akufo-Addo has called on the traditional leaders of the Bono region to help the government crack down on outdated cultural practices as the country moves toward development.
Speaking at the meeting of the Regional House of Bono Chiefs on Thursday, President Akufo-Addo said that although certain norms are meant to be implemented, practices such as bad widowhood rites, accusing people of witchcraft, trokosi and genital mutilation women (FGM) are rules that break the law. the fundamental human rights of individuals, particularly women.
Therefore, the chiefs and people of the area must join with the government to completely eradicate it from the country.
“There may be different reasons assigned [to certain practices] in different parts of the country on why you can’t farm near the river or go to the farm on Wednesday / Thursday or fish on Tuesday / Saturday. But there are rational and scientific reasons behind these traditional rules.
“In the same way, we should not be afraid to discard those rules and practices that do not fit with modern or current realities and morals. I am referring especially to the practices that seek to discriminate against women and children ”, she stated.
According to the president, there is no scientific justification for why a people is bound by these norms, adding that “I ask you to be at the forefront of our fight to rule out these notorious practices that should not take place in Ghana from the 21S t century.”
President Akufo-Addo also called on traditional leaders to be advocates for change in their various areas, noting that it will bring the central government closer to the people.
“I urge you to speak up and join the government’s fight against the ills of our society, including corruption, social and economic injustice, crime, and the threat of illegal mining. As leaders, you have the responsibility, as was done in the days of our ancestors, to help preserve our land, ”he said.
