Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has revealed intentions to implement a system of “living allowances” for traditional leaders.
This initiative aims to provide financial support to traditional leaders in their roles as custodians of tradition and culture, while also fostering collaboration between traditional authorities and government institutions.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of chieftaincy in shaping societal values and stressed the need to empower chiefs financially to carry out their duties effectively.
If elected President, he pledged to ensure that chiefs receive the necessary financial support to fulfill their responsibilities. Daasebre Osei Bonsu, the Vice President of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, commended Dr. Bawumia for his efforts, noting that he is highly respected by chiefs and queen mothers.
Additionally, Dr. Bawumia previously proposed granting traditional leaders equity stakes in mineral resources within their jurisdictions as a strategy to combat illegal mining activities.
He believes that involving chiefs in land management, in partnership with district assemblies, can help deter illegal miners and promote sustainable mining practices by providing chiefs with a vested interest in protecting their lands.
The resource whether it’s a gold mine or whatever, when we find gold in your area, then you have a stake in it, an equity stake, the district assembly has an equity stake. Once you have an equity stake, you will not allow the land to be misused.
