Nungua Mantse, Oboade Notse King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, has taken office as the new President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs (GARHC).
Previously, Professor Welentsi III held the positions of Vice President and acting President of the House, stepping in as acting President after the passing of the Paramount Chief of the Shai Osudoku Traditional Area, who was the House’s former leader.
Initially, Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II filed to contest the position but later withdrew his candidacy in a letter to Mrs. Gladys Pinkrah, Greater Accra Regional Director of the Electoral Commission. This decision cleared the way for Professor Welentsi III’s unopposed election. He will serve a four-year term as mandated by Act 759 of 2008, which stipulates a presidential election every four years.
The House also elected Nene Tetteh Wakah III, the Paramount Chief of Prampram Traditional Area, as Vice President. Circuit Court Judge Ms. Bacilia Adjei-Tawiah administered both the oaths of office and secrecy to Professor Welentsi III and his vice. Following the ceremony, Judge Adjei-Tawiah urged the chiefs to focus on promoting peace and development while advising them to keep chieftaincy matters free from litigation.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Welentsi III expressed his gratitude to his fellow chiefs, describing his election as a “victory for all” and emphasising shared responsibility.
“This is not just my victory but a victory for all of us. While I will assume the role of president for this term, I view it as a shared duty,” he affirmed.
Additionall, he noted the significance of his experience but stressed his intent to seek advice from the former president and other members on important issues.
“I will rely on your support, especially during critical moments,” .
SOURCE;Graphiconline
