The National Security Coordinator, COP Osman Abdul-Razak, has urged traditional leaders to prioritise dialogue in resolving chieftaincy and ethnic disputes to help safeguard national peace and security.According to him, the country is grappling with more than 500 reported ethnic and land-related conflicts, with 130 posing serious threats to community stability and national security."When chiefs speak peace, their subjects are bound to listen," he said, stressing the crucial role traditional authorities play in maintaining order and unity.Speaking at a meeting with the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Friday, COP Abdul-Razak described chiefs and queenmothers as "the backbone of the laws that govern society," and emphasised the need for collaboration between traditional leaders and security agencies.He identified key threats to national security including chieftaincy and land disputes, ethnic tensions, environmental degradation, and the proliferation of firearms during festivals.Mr Abdul-Razak cited the Bawku conflict and recent violence in Nkwanta as examples of how unresolved disputes could devastate communities and force the imposition of curfews.In response, President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, welcomed the dialogue but argued that road accidents posed an even greater threat, describing the number of recent fatalities as "alarming."Nana Gyebi, who is also the Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, also raised concerns about the increasing use of firearms during traditional festivals, warning of the risk of unintended violence.He called for strengthened collaboration between traditional authorities and national security to restore peace and order in communities."The partnership between chiefs and national security agencies is vital to promoting peace and stability," Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II stated. BY KINGSLEY E.
HOPE, KUMASI
