Dwenedabihene Urges Chiefs To Build Relationships, Not Just Wear Regalia.
Story by Dominic Duut /Noble News
OFFINSO – DWENEDABI
The Chief of Dwenedabi in the Offinso Traditional Council, Dwenedabihene Nana Osei Bediako, has called on his fellow traditional leaders to go beyond wearing beautiful cloths to grace occasions and rather focus on building a strong relationship with their people.
Nana Osei Bediako made the appeal when he appeared as a guest on Promise TV’s popular traditional affairs program, Nananom Mmre, hosted by Nana Otiawere Frimpong Manso II, the Akokofe Krontihene.
Speaking on the show, the Dwenedabihene said chieftaincy today should not be seen as a fashion show. He noted that while kente, gold and the big umbrella represent our heritage, they alone cannot bring development.
According to him, what communities need most is a chief who listens, who visits, who knows the struggles of his people and who stands with them through joy and hardship.
He told Nananom on the program that when a chief distances himself and only shows up for durbars, mistrust grows and development becomes slow.
But when the palace is close to the people, there is peace and understanding because dialogue helps to settle family issues, land matters and youth concerns early.
Nana Osei Bediako explained that this kind of closeness brings many benefits to the community. It brings unity, it encourages people to willingly support communal labour and development projects such as schools, clinics, water and roads, and it helps to preserve our culture because the youth will respect tradition when they see their chiefs as true fathers and mentors.
It also improves security and makes it easier for chiefs to lobby government and organizations to bring jobs and support for farmers, traders and artisans.
On the spiritual side, the Dwenedabihene, who is known for his faith-based engagements, said servant leadership is a way of praising God.
He said God ordained traditional leadership to shepherd His people, and when a chief serves with honesty, love and compassion, he is fulfilling a divine assignment and giving glory to God.
He added that loving your neighbour and caring for your community is itself worship that honours God and the ancestors.
He therefore charged all Nananom in Offinso and across Ghana who were watching Promise TV’s Nananom Mmre to make their palaces a home for everyone, to be accessible, and to lead with humility and a heart of service.
