The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), has announced payment of 300% increment in chiefs’ allowances, to take effect during third quarter release. The major boost forms part of government’s commitment to strengthening the traditional governance system and ensuring that chiefs are well-resourced to play their vital roles in national development.

The announcement was made by the sector minister, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, on Tuesday, 11th November 2025, during his maiden engagement with the Bono Regional House of Chiefs in Sunyani.

Addressing the House, the Minister reiterated government’s unwavering support for the chieftaincy institution and emphasized that the allowance increment reflects the value government places on traditional authority. He said government is committed to ensuring that Traditional Authorities are given the support needed to continue their contributions to peace, unity and development.

As part of the third quarter release, the Ministry will also fast-track the payment of judicial committee allowances to enable committees sit promptly on pending cases. This intervention is expected to reduce the rising number of chieftaincy disputes in not only the Bono Region but the Bono East Region, promote harmony, and enhance stability for development planning.

Hon. Ibrahim stressed that delays in adjudicating chieftaincy matters often lead to tension and stalled development. He noted that the Ministry’s renewed focus on timely justice delivery will support the region’s efforts to maintain peace.

The Minister encouraged chiefs in the Bono Region to remain united, adding that a united chieftaincy front attracts development faster than individual efforts. He highlighted that government is committed to working hand-in-hand with traditional leaders, but unity at the regional and local levels is essential for maximizing development outcomes.

Hon. Ibrahim together with the Bono Regional Minister, Mr. Joseph Addae Akwaboa also outlined ongoing and upcoming projects being undertaken by government to improve infrastructure and social services in the region. He maintained that these interventions are meant to augment existing development efforts and improve the wellbeing of the people of Bono.

They touched on the facelift of the healthcare facility, dormitories for second cycle schools, road infrastructural development as well as 24 hour model markets which is also aimed at creating jobs for the youth.

The engagement forms part of the Minister’s nationwide tour to interact with traditional authorities, strengthen collaboration, and reaffirm government’s commitment to supporting the chieftaincy institution.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has called on traditional leaders in the Bono East Region to strengthen their collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to accelerate local development and economic growth.

This call came during his maiden engagement with the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs in Techiman, where the Minister underscored the pivotal role of chiefs and religious bodies in fostering peace, unity and progress in their communities.

According to him, government cannot achieve transformation by itself at the local level without the support and collaboration of Traditional Leaders. It is for this reason that MMDCEs are working closely with traditional authorities to ensure inclusive and sustainable development across the country.

The Minister revealed that several road projects in the region including the Tano North, Bonkrase, Nkoransa North, and Jaman Nkwanta and the Atebubu to Kwame Danso roads have been awarded to contractors and are expected to commence soon. He emphasized government’s commitment to continue and complete all uncompleted projects to improve infrastructure and livelihoods.

He also spoke about government’s commitment to find a lasting solution to the water problem in Atebubu, stating that this issue was beyond the MMDCEs as Atebubu has a peculiar challenge hence he will discuss it at a higher level so that the citizens of Atebubu will have good clean water.

Highlighting the government’s flagship programmes, the Minister mentioned the apprenticeship initiative targeting 550 youth in various trades, as well as the Feed Ghana programme, which is being implemented in collaboration with the second cycle institutions, adding that MMDCEs have been tasked to build a 24 hour ultra-modern model markets and will visit the traditional leaders to access lands for the project.

He added that 19 paramountcy across the region have been visited by Regional Minister, Hon. and their developmental concerns are being addressed, including projects in education, health and sanitation.

Touching on chieftaincy issues, the Minister disclosed that a committee has been constituted to amend portions of the Chieftaincy Act that has contributed to recurring disputes. This is to ensure peace, unity and integrity within the chieftaincy institution.

He further assured that the Regional House of Chiefs’ building project would be fast-tracked, same as the allowances for the Judicial Committee would be expedited to ensure smooth adjudication of cases.

The Minister also commended the President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs for his leadership and ongoing efforts toward promoting harmony and development in the region.

In a bid to promote accountability and performance-based leadership, the Minister disclosed that a seven-member committee has been established to assess MMDCEs and determine whether they should be maintained as metropolitan, municipal or district assemblies.

He revealed that MMDCEs who perform poorly will have their resources reduced and redirected to the best-performing assemblies. He also announced that all MMDCEs have been resourced to construct CHPS compounds and will soon embark on the building of 24-hour model markets, expected to commence by December.

On sanitation, the Minister highlighted the President’s renewed collaboration with traditional authorities in the relaunch of the National Sanitation Campaign. He urged MMDCEs to engage chiefs and community leaders in sustaining environmental cleanliness and improving public health outcomes.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

A delegation from La Côte d’Ivoire has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, as part of a study tour to Ghana to learn best practices in the implementation of the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) project. The visit marks a significant step in fostering cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two countries under the SOCO initiative.

The SOCO project aims to strengthen social cohesion, enhance resilience, and promote development in vulnerable communities across the Gulf of Guinea’s northern regions. Ghana is one of the implementing countries, alongside La Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin. As part of the visit, the Ivorian delegation sought to understand Ghana’s strategies, structures, and lessons learned in executing the project to guide their own implementation.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim underscored the importance of cooperation and peer learning among participating countries to achieve the project’s objectives. He emphasized that development must be carefully planned, monitored, and evaluated to ensure that interventions truly serve the needs of the people. “We must all be actively involved in the implementation of SOCO projects to ensure that they deliver sustainable outcomes that benefit the masses,” he stated.

The minister highlighted Ghana’s commitment to transparency, community participation, and accountability in managing SOCO interventions. He noted that these principles have been central to the project’s success in Ghana’s northern regions, where local authorities, traditional leaders, and community members play active roles in decision-making and project execution.

The Ivorian delegation expressed appreciation for Ghana’s openness in sharing experiences and best practices. They noted that La Côte d’Ivoire stands ready to collaborate closely with Ghana to ensure the successful implementation of SOCO projects in both countries. According to the delegation, such cooperation would enhance cross-border harmony and contribute to sustainable development and stability within the subregion.

In Ghana, the SOCO project is being implemented in six regions in the northern part of the country  including Northern, Upper East, Upper West, North East, Savannah, and Oti Regions. The initiative focuses on improving livelihoods, enhancing social infrastructure, and promoting peace and resilience in communities affected by fragility, conflict, and climate challenges.

The courtesy call concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepen collaboration and exchange technical expertise to maximize the benefits of the SOCO project. The partnership between Ghana and La Côte d’Ivoire, they agreed, represents a vital opportunity to build stronger, more resilient communities and advance the broader goal of regional integration and shared prosperity.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann & Sandra Owusu Asamoah

MLGCRA PR Unit