During this year’s La Homowo Thanksgiving Service, the La Shikitele, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV delivered a candid speech on behalf of the Chiefs of La to the people of La, focusing on the suspension and reopening of the La Traditional Council. He also dispelled misinformation surrounding the town’s leadership and land administration.
Nii Adjei Koofeh IV began by recounting the purported suspension of the La Traditional Council, which he described as not being based on any wrongdoing by the Council’s leadership. He emphasized that the Council has always operated within the bounds of the law and custom as regards admission of members to the Council.
“The Council was never used to sell lands,” he stated. “We have always followed due process and the law in running the Council.”
Following a legal challenge and a review by the sector Ministry, the suspension of the Council was officially withdrawn in June this year.
Addressing accusations of delibrate exclusion of some Quarter’s representatives from the Council, the La Shikitele clarified that disputes over representation stem from unresolved issues within the concerned Quarters, and not from the Council.
“If a Quarter has not resolved its internal leadership disputes, we cannot admit its representative to the Council,” he explained.
He urged Quarters facing such challenges to resolve them through customary processes or legal channels, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to admitting only legitimate representatives.
Nii Adjei Koofeh IV also clarified the distinction between the State Council and the Traditional Council.
Under law, only registered Chiefs can be members of the Traditional Council. Non registered Chiefs can serve on the State Council, which manages the affairs of the La State.
“The State Council and the Traditional Council are composed of the same Chiefs, but once a Chief is registered, he also becomes a Traditional Council member,” he said.
In response to allegations of land sales, particularly concerning the La Wireless Aviation land, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV firmly denied the claims.
“We did not sell the land,” he stated. “These accusations are unfounded and misleading.”
He concluded by reaffirming the Council’s commitment to following due process and the law, transparency, and unity. He urged all Quarters to work in accordance with custom and the law to preserve the integrity of the traditions and customs of La.
