The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has called on traditional leaders to take an active role in the fight against illegal mining. Speaking at a meeting with the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Thursday 13th February, 2025, he emphasized the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s environment and water bodies, stressing that chiefs must use their influence to curb the menace.

Hon. Ibrahim announced the government’s plan to amend the Chieftaincy Act to restore the power of chiefs to summon individuals engaged in illegal mining and other harmful activities.

He noted that a Supreme Court’s ruling had limited this authority, but the amendment would empower chiefs to enforce accountability within their jurisdictions.

He further assured the chiefs of government’s commitment to working closely with traditional leaders to develop sustainable solutions to illegal mining. According to him, protecting natural resources is a shared responsibility, and chiefs, as custodians of the land, have a crucial role to play in safeguarding the environment for future generations.

The Minister also encouraged chiefs to collaborate with local assemblies to strengthen enforcement measures. He stressed that without their full involvement, the fight against illegal mining would remain incomplete, urging them to take a firm stand against the practice.

Hon. Ibrahim reechoed the government’s unwavering support for the chieftaincy institution, assuring traditional leaders that their contributions in the fight against illegal mining would be met with concrete action and policy backing.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

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 13^th 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)

A delegation from the Rwanda Defense Force Command and Staff College is embarking on an international study tour to Ghana from Monday, February 10, to Friday, February 14, 2025. The 20-member group, led by Colonel Corneille Nkundimana, includes faculty members, directing staff, and students. The primary objective of the visit is to provide the students with an in-depth understanding of Ghana’s history, defense, security, geopolitics, and socio-economic development.

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the delegation visited the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) as part of their study tour. The Ministry provided briefing on Ghana’s local government system, focusing on its role in governance and internal security. The presentation covered key areas such as constitutional provisions, the ministry’s organizational structure, and the role of Regional Coordinating Councils.

The delegation expressed particular interest in Ghana’s decentralized governance structure, which is designed to transfer administrative powers to local authorities and empower communities. They were briefed on the functions of sub-district structures, emphasizing their role in service delivery and grassroots governance.

The discussions also highlighted the successes and impact of Ghana’s decentralization, particularly in strengthening internal security, fostering community development, and promoting democratic principles.

The visit provided the delegation with a valuable opportunity to study Ghana’s local governance model, which has been recognized as a key contributor to the country’s stability and growth. It also served to strengthen the diplomatic and educational ties between Rwanda and Ghana.

The leader of the delegation, Colonel Nkundimana, expressed deep appreciation for the insights shared by MLGCRA, emphasizing that the knowledge gained would be beneficial to Rwanda, particularly in enhancing local governance and internal security. The delegation commended Ghana’s decentralization efforts and the role of local government in promoting stability and socio-economic development with lessons that could inform Rwanda’s governance strategies.

In response, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Rwanda in any way possible, highlighting the strong bond between the two nations. Officials underscored the spirit of cooperation and mutual support that defines their relationship, reinforcing their shared dedication to peace, development, and good governance.

The study tour continues until Friday February 14, 2025, providing the delegation further opportunities to explore Ghana’s rich history, governance system, and security framework.