The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on traditional authorities not to remain quiet in the political discourse of the country especially in the upcoming general elections come next year.
He said his call was not to urge chiefs to engage in partisan politics but to ensure their contribution helps shape up the development aspirations of the people.
He said his recent call for a change in the governance structure of the country to allow chiefs, religious bodies and media aimed at strengthening the democratic culture of the country.
The Speaker made the call when he was installed as a chief with the stool name Nana Adosorkorhene I by the Suma Traditional Council at Suma in the Bono Region on Saturday amidst pomp and pageantry.
His installation by the Suma Traditional Council was to recognise his show of strength against western powers in the promotion of LGBTQ + activities in the country.
Mr Bagbin arrived at the palace adorned in a beautiful smock and accompanied by his wife, Minority Caucus in Parliament, staff of the Parliamentary Service Board and others dignitaries.
Also in attendance were a delegation from the clergy made up of members of the Pentecostal Council, local council of churches and led by the Bishop of Sunyani Diocese, Mathew Kwasi Gyamfi, and members of the general public.
The celebration was on the theme “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
The occasion was to climax a week-long crusade organised by the Suma Traditional Council to thank God for His bountiful blessings and protection of the Suma State for the year 2023 and to guide and see them through 2024.
It would be recalled that in July this year the Suma Traditional Council also awarded the highest order of the Suma State, Adinkra award to the Speaker of Parliament for his sterling and strong leadership in advocating for the passage of the anti-LGBTQI + bill.
Mr Bagbin expressed his excitement and delight for the honour bestowed on him by the chiefs and people of Suma Traditional Area.
The Speaker further assured that Parliament would ensure the passage of the LGBTQ + bill into law, adding that the cost of LGBTQ activities on the health system of the country could not be borne by the state.
Mr Bagbin explained that countries that were promoting homosexuality were facing the brunt of it, stressing that Ghana would not be intimidated to tolerate such a bad culture irrespective of what challenges the country may face.
He commended the chiefs and people of Suma for preserving their rich culture, which he said, had stood the test of time and called for peace and unity among traditional authorities in the country.
Addressing the function, the Omanhene of Suma Traditional Area, Odeneho Dr Affram Brempong III, said Ghana’s culture was under threat and that all effort must be made to preserve the culture, values and traditions of the Ghanaian society against any abominable indoctrination which had the tendencies to destroy the future of our country.
He further underscored the need for Parliament to pass the human and sexual rights and family values bill 2021 into law to safeguard the moral fabric of the Ghanaian society.
The paramount chief explained that the Adosorkohene title given to Mr Bagbin means a tower of strength derived from a Suma deity which protected their forebears against their enemies during wars and that people associate with Mr Bagbin for his resolve to ensure that Parliament passes the bill into law.
He however appealed to the Speaker to consider establishing a school in parliamentary affairs to mentor and pass on his wealth of knowledge acquired over the years and pass same to the next generation.
The colourful coronation was preceded by initiation rites performed behind closed doors before the coronation at the forecourt of the Suma Palace.
FROM DANIEL DZIRASAH, SUMA AHENKRO
