The   Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has announced that government is taking steps to amend portions of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759) to restore the authority of traditional leaders to summon their subjects.

Hon. Ibrahim disclosed this during an engagement with members of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, where he explained that the proposed amendment seeks to empower chiefs to effectively enforce customary practices, strengthen traditional governance structures, and support the protection of Ghana’s natural resources.

According to the Minister, the initiative forms part of government’s broader commitment to revitalize the chieftaincy institution and ensure that they remain relevant in contemporary governance. He emphasized that restoring the power of summons will not only reinforce the dignity of traditional rulers but also revive important community values such as communal labour and mutual responsibility.

He recounted how communal labour and local order were maintained in the past through the authority of the chiefs. He was of the belief that when the power to summon is restored, traditional leaders can once again mobilize their communities to protect their environment, uphold discipline, and safeguard customary laws.

Hon Ibrahim further noted that empowering chiefs in this way will complement government’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and other environmental offences, as chiefs will be better positioned to engage directly with their subjects on matters affecting their lands and natural resources.

He also referenced the President’s plan to establish Palace Courts, an initiative aimed at decentralizing justice delivery by allowing traditional authorities to handle minor offences, particularly those related to sanitation and local disputes, within their jurisdictions, emphasizing that this reflected the President’s confidence in the chieftaincy institution as a key partner in promoting local governance, law, and order.

The Minister was, however, quick to note that any restored powers will come with clear safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure accountability. He assured that government will engage all stakeholders including the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, traditional councils, and the Attorney-General’s Department to ensure that the amendment aligns with the Constitution and respects the rights of citizens.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

The Minister for Locreater Accra Regional House of Chiefs on Strengthening Local Governance Collaborational Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening partnership between traditional leaders and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to enhance governance efficiency and sustainable development at the local level.

He made the remarks when he paid a courtesy call on the members of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Dodowa, on Thursday, 9th October 2025.

Addressing the chiefs and queenmothers, the Minister explained that the recent merger of the Ministry of Local Government with the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs forms part of government’s broader reset agenda aimed at promoting coordination, eliminating administrative overlaps, and fostering integration between traditional leadership and modern local governance systems.

This reform, according to him, is not merely a bureaucratic adjustment; it is a transformational agenda that seeks to harmonize the roles of traditional and administrative authorities for the collective advancement of local development.

Hon. Ibrahim informed the members that, per the new structure, the Ministry aims to Strengthen linkages between Traditional Councils and District Assemblies for improved coordination; Enhance communication and data flow between traditional governance and local administrative systems and facilitate joint community development projects, while Improving efficiency in public service delivery.

He underscored the pivotal role of chiefs as custodians of culture, peace, and land, stressing that sustainable development is only achievable when traditional authorities actively participate in local governance.

The Minister assured the House that the Ministry will continue to provide the necessary policy, institutional, and financial support to ensure seamless implementation of the merger, including capacity-building programmes for Registrars and Traditional Council Members.

Hon. Ibrahim also expressed his appreciation to the President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, His Majesty King Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, and the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo as well as the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah for their leadership and support in facilitating effective dialogue between government and traditional authorities.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

The Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs has called on government to accord the Chieftaincy Institution greater recognition as a critical stakeholder in national development.

Meeting with the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, at the Guggisberg Memorial Hall in Dodowa, the Chiefs, led by His Majesty King Prof. Nii Odaifio Welentsi III, Nungua Mantse and President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, emphasized the need for deeper involvement of traditional authorities in governance and community transformation.

They also urged government to expedite the amendment of Section 63 of the Chieftaincy Act to grant Chiefs greater authority in maintaining discipline and ensuring accountability within their jurisdictions.

Responding, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between traditional and local governance systems through the merger of the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs under the government’s “Reset Agenda.”

He said the merger is aimed at promoting coordination, eliminating overlaps, and enhancing the integration of traditional leadership in policy implementation at the local level. “Development at the local level cannot succeed without the active participation of Traditional Authorities,” he emphasized.

The Minister also appealed to Chiefs to partner with government in addressing Chieftaincy-related disputes in the Region, noting that peace and stability are vital to sustainable development.

He further underscored government’s renewed commitment to the National Sanitation Day (NSD) initiative, which seeks to empower Traditional Leaders to champion community participation and enforcement of sanitation by-laws.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, commended the engagement and called for stronger cooperation between the Ministry and the House of Chiefs, stressing that development thrives when government and traditional institutions work together.

Both sides pledged to strengthen their partnership in advancing peace, stability, and inclusive growth across the Greater Accra Region.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
MLGCRA Public Relations Unit