YARPAH TOWN, River Cess – The outgoing speaker of the National Traditional Council of Chiefs, Chief Bob Kofi Zah, has been elected chairman of the River Cess Council of Chiefs.
Paramount Chief Zah of Dowein Chiefdom and two officers were elected on a white ballot on June 5.
In line with the Local Government Act of 2018, the election was conducted by a five-member committee set up by River Cess Superintendent Byron Zahnwhea. Former county inspector Trokon Browne headed the committee.
Guanaway’s paramount chief, Livingston Gar Zammie, and Garmondeh Zoebaryah of Doedein were also elected as vice chairs for traditional and cultural affairs, and peacebuilding and reconciliation, respectively.
The council’s positions are occupied only by paramount chiefs, although clan chiefs have the right to vote in the election, according to the Local Government Act.
Speaking briefly after his election, the new River Cess Council of Chiefs chair thanked Superintendent Zahnwea for the support given to the process and promised to work with the superintendent’s office in the county’s and its people’s best interest.
He also vowed to join hands with the national government to fight against illicit drugs. He called on parents to warn their children against the use of illegal substances.
“Our council will not only be looking at traditional and cultural issues. We will also work with the government to help clean this county from drugs. When we see any of your children with these bad, bad drugs, we will catch them and send them to the police,” he said.
Meanwhile, the county superintendent further encouraged local chiefs and stakeholders to build relationships with those in national leadership to foster development for their county.
He said building links with national decision-makers was the best way to attract national attention to the county.
Zahnwea also commended the chiefs for the peaceful and responsible manner in which they conducted themselves during their election, which he said portrays unity and maturity.
“I would have been disappointed if those who are expected to make peace and reconcile political actors in the county were going to fight over positions during this election. But your action proves that the county can return to the old days where chiefs were respected due to their decisions and public postures,” he said.
He urged the new leadership to swiftly plan their induction to prepare for the pending national-level Council of Chiefs’ election, which will occur among the 15 counties for a new leadership to replace the Zanzan Kawah’s leadership.
The election will be among the chairs of the 15 counties’ Council of Chiefs.
Featured photo by Eric Opa Doue
