The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s chieftaincy institution as a strategic partner in national development. He made the remarks on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the colourful celebration of the 2025 Eluo Festival of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area.
The festival, which is to celebrate abundance of Yam, was on the theme “Our Heritage, Our People, Our Development,” brought together traditional leaders, government officials, development partners, and thousands of indigenes who gathered to celebrate their cultural identity and renew their commitment to community development.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister praised the chiefs and people for preserving the Eluo Festival, describing it as a sacred symbol of nourishment, hard work, and renewal. He noted that Ghana’s cultural heritage remains a powerful pillar for national unity, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
Hon. Ibrahim outlined several ongoing government initiatives aimed at modernizing and strengthening the chieftaincy institution. Key among them is the review of the Chieftaincy Act, which seeks to restore the authority of chiefs to summon subjects who breach traditional laws and disturb community peace. He emphasized that such reforms are essential in reinforcing social order and reducing rising conflicts within communities.
He further announced that the Ministry was facilitating the validation and legalization of lines of succession to minimize ambiguity and reduce chieftaincy disputes, which continue to hamper stability and development in several traditional areas.
The Minister stated that government, recognizes the central role of Chiefs and Queen mothers in mobilizing communities, promoting discipline, enhancing environmental sanitation, and supporting local governance structures.
He added, it was for this reason that government is upgrading and constructing modern office complexes for the Houses of Chiefs, especially in the newly created regions, to provide a conducive environment for adjudication and administrative work.
The Minister called for renewed unity and discipline among community members, stressing that development thrives only in peaceful environments. He encouraged the traditional leaders and residents to support community-led environmental sanitation programmes and protect farmland, forests, and water bodies for future generations.
Hon. Ibrahim also conveyed warm regards from the President and commended the traditional authorities for their unwavering leadership and continued partnership with government.
The President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, hosted the event and it was graced by Paramount Chiefs of some Regional Houses of Chiefs, together with other Chiefs and Queen mothers and government delegation including the Guest of Honour, Dr. Daniel McKorley.
Source: Chantal Aidoo
Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA