The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has assured government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s chieftaincy institution. Addressing the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Thursday 13th February, 2025, he assured traditional leaders of sustained support in addressing long-standing challenges affecting the institution.
He noted that chieftaincy dispute often arising from succession conflicts and destoolments continue to threaten national peace and stability. To tackle this, he pledged increased government support for the Judicial Committees of the Houses of Chiefs, equipping them with the necessary resources to expedite dispute resolution. He also announced plans to train non-lawyer members of these committees to improve efficiency.
Hon. Ibrahim emphasized the need for legal reforms to modernize the chieftaincy structure. He revealed that the government will review existing legislative instruments regulating the institution, some of which have remained unchanged since 1972. The review, he said, will be done in collaboration with the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs to ensure relevance in contemporary governance.
Recognizing the financial constraints chiefs face in carrying out their responsibilities, the Minister announced plans to review allowances paid to traditional rulers. He assured them that the government is considering a more sustainable support system to enable chiefs to function effectively as key stakeholders in governance and development.
The Minister also pledged to push for the validation and legalization of succession lines to reduce disputes over traditional leadership. He said reports on these succession lines, which have been compiled but remain unimplemented, will be prioritized for passage into law to bring clarity and stability to traditional leadership transitions.
Hon. Ibrahim reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between the chieftaincy institution and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). He stressed that chiefs remain critical partners in national development and assured them of a stronger working relationship with local government structures.
He urged the National House of Chiefs to actively participate in the ongoing constitutional review process by submitting proposals that reflect the needs and aspirations of traditional leaders. He assured them that the government remains committed to preserving and elevating the chieftaincy institution as an integral part of Ghana’s governance system.
Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)