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

President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, 18th November 2025, received Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area and President of the Eastern Regional Traditional Council, at the Jubilee House for discussions on development priorities for the Eastern Region.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, joined and led the delegation, consistent with the Ministry’s mandate to strengthen collaboration between government and traditional authorities.
Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim underscored the essential place of traditional leadership in Ghana’s governance structure and assured the Omanhene that the Ministry remains committed to working closely with the Eastern Regional Traditional Council. He encouraged them to present their concerns openly, noting that their requests would be fully considered at the highest level.
During the meeting, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III congratulated President Mahama profusely on his assumption of office and expressed strong admiration for the President’s bold policy direction. He commended key initiatives including the stress-free education policy and the free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, describing them as essential interventions that were expanding opportunity across the country.
He also praised the President for maintaining peace and stability in the nation, stating that the calm and sense of direction currently being experienced is strengthening confidence in governance. The Omanhene expressed delight that the President’s policies were reshaping lives and reaffirmed the Traditional Council’s support for the national development agenda.
Daasebre further highlighted key priorities for the New Juaben Traditional Area, the completion of the Central Market, support for a new general hospital, and the continuation of the affordable housing project.
President Mahama welcomed the delegation’s concerns and reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the development promises made to the region.
He noted: “We will not leave any community behind. New Juaben will receive the necessary attention, and we will work with your Traditional Council to ensure that every Ghanaian feels the impact of our collective progress.”
The meeting underscored the strong partnership between government and traditional leadership and reflected the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to building a governance system that listens, collaborates, and delivers for all regions.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
MLGCRA PR UNIT

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, as part of his working visit to the Bono Region, joined the Bono Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Security Services, and Ex-Military men and their spouses to commemorate Global Remembrance Day on 11th November.

Observed annually, Remembrance Day honours the gallant men and women who sacrificed their lives during the First and Second World Wars. This year marks the 80th anniversary, celebrated on the solemn theme “Lest We Forget.”

During the ceremony, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim laid a wreath on behalf of the Chiefs and people of Ghana, while the Bono Regional Minister laid another on behalf of the Government, symbolising national gratitude for the bravery and resilience of fallen heroes.

The veterans, as done every year, came in their uniforms, joining the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana National Fire Service in a march past, pray for all gone souls as well as observe a minute silence for them. Spouses were not left out; they came dressed beautifully in their spousal uniforms for easy identification and recognition.

In an engagement with the Ex-Servicemen after the ceremony, the veterans appealed for Government’s support to complete their ongoing building project, which they hope will serve as a comfortable and permanent meeting place. They also expressed appreciation for the continuous collaboration and recognition they receive.

The veterans were commended for their unwavering dedication and the wealth of experience they continue to share in support of national development. He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to honouring their contributions and ensuring their welfare remains a priority.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA