Renowned
technology expert and Paramount Chief Torgbuiga Akpo Ashiakpor VI, of Weta
Traditional Area in the Ketu North Constituency of the Volta Region of Ghana
has issued an urgent call to action, advising the government of Ghana to
swiftly embark on the digitization of the country's revered Chieftaincy institutions.
This proactive measure aims to avert potential crises and foster sustainable
governance within traditional leadership.
Having
recognized the prevailing challenges faced by Chieftaincy Institutions, Torgbuiga
Akpo Ashiakpor VI, a respected authority in the field of technology and an
esteemed leader, has underscored the critical need for immediate action. By
harnessing the transformative power of digital advancements, Ghana can overcome
these obstacles and ensure a harmonious future for traditional leadership.
The
advent of digital transformation holds immense potential to revolutionize the
operations of our esteemed Chieftaincy Institutions, ushering in a new era
characterized by enhanced efficiency, transparency, and accountability. By
embracing modern digital tools and platforms, these institutions can streamline
their administrative processes, empowering leaders, adjudicating bodies,
ministries, and the government itself with unprecedented insights to make
well-informed decisions.
One
crucial aspect that becomes evident is the distinction between traditional
boundaries of lands and the government's administrative boundaries. It is
imperative to acknowledge that these two realms differ, and this disparity has
left certain traditional areas vulnerable to the machinations of charlatans
seeking to undermine the rich antiquity associated with these lands.
Lack
of education and proper record-keeping has inadvertently contributed to this
vulnerability, creating an opening for individuals with ulterior motives to
manipulate the identity and heritage of traditional areas. These opportunistic
actors meticulously plan their approach, often targeting lineages where the
elders and kingmakers have passed away or are too feeble to actively defend
their rightful legacies.
“However,
by digitizing the Chieftaincy Institution, we can preserve these invaluable
legacies for future generations, safeguarding their heritage from those who
seek to exploit it. Through the implementation of digital systems,
comprehensive records can be created and maintained, ensuring the accurate
documentation of lineage, land ownership, and cultural practices. This will
serve as an invaluable resource, empowering communities to protect their
identity and resist any attempts at illegitimate kingdom capture.
The
preservation of these legacies is not only essential for historical continuity
but also for the socio-cultural fabric of our society. The digitization of
Chieftaincy Institutions will create a repository of knowledge and traditions,
enabling future generations to connect with their roots, understand their
heritage, and uphold the values that hold and define their respective
traditional areas,” he said in an interview.
Moreover,
digital transformation offers an opportunity to bridge the gap between
traditional institutions and the government, fostering collaboration and
harmonious coexistence. By leveraging digital platforms, communication channels
can be established, allowing for seamless interaction and consultation between
traditional leaders and government authorities. This synergy will strengthen
governance, promote inclusive decision-making processes, and ensure the
collective well-being of our society.
“The digitalization process entails
the creation of comprehensive digital infrastructure, including advanced data
management systems, secure online portals, and accessible archives. These
technological advancements will facilitate accurate record-keeping, ensuring a
wealth of information is readily available at the fingertips of stakeholders,
from traditional leaders to government authorities and the public.
By embracing digitization, Ghana's
Chieftaincy Institutions can build stronger bridges of communication, promoting
active engagement and collaborative decision-making. This inclusive approach
will reignite public trust, empowering citizens to actively participate in
governance matters, and fostering a renewed sense of unity and progress without
having to fight over what everyone knows to be the true record of tradition or
value,” he added.
Paramount
Chief Torgbuiga Akpo Ashiakpor VI urges the Government of Ghana to prioritize
the digitization of Chieftaincy Institutions, emphasizing the urgent need for
dedicated resources and a collaborative task force. This joint effort,
encompassing government agencies, technology experts, traditional leaders, and
community representatives, will pave the way for a successful and
transformative digital revolution.
“With the future of traditional
leadership hanging in the balance, the Government of Ghana must heed the urgent
call from this tech expert and Paramount Chief. By embarking on the
digitization journey, Ghana has the opportunity to forge a path of resilience,
prosperity, and harmony within its Chieftaincy Institutions and families. As
the nation awaits the government's response, all eyes are on Ghana,
anticipating the dawn of a new era where technology and tradition converge,
empowering our Chieftaincy Institutions to flourish and thrive.
As we embark on this transformative
journey, it is crucial to recognize the urgency of digitizing our Chieftaincy
Institutions. By doing so, we protect the integrity of our traditional areas,
fortify the foundation of our cultural heritage, and empower future generations
to embrace and celebrate their rich ancestral legacies. Let us unite in this
noble endeavor, leveraging the power of digital transformation to secure our
collective heritage, promote unity, and preserve the essence of Ghana's diverse
traditional areas for generations to come,” he concluded.