President John Dramani Mahama has called for urgent action to resolve chieftaincy disputes across the country, warning that prolonged conflicts continue to undermine peace and delay development in many communities.
The President made the appeal during a courtesy call by the Bono Regional House of Chiefs at the Jubilee House, where discussions focused on traditional governance, peacebuilding and regional development.
According to Mr. Mahama, unresolved chieftaincy disputes remain one of the major obstacles to development in several traditional areas, often creating instability that discourages investment and slows the implementation of government projects.
Development Suffers Amid Disputes
The President stressed that government remains committed to extending development to all parts of the country, but acknowledged that progress becomes difficult in areas affected by prolonged traditional conflicts.
He noted that insecurity arising from chieftaincy disputes often disrupts social and economic activities, making it challenging for communities to fully benefit from development initiatives.
According to him, resolving such disputes is critical to creating a stable environment that supports growth and improves living standards.
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Growing Competition for Traditional Stools
Mr. Mahama observed that succession to traditional stools has changed significantly over the years.
He explained that in the past, kingmakers often struggled to find suitable royals willing to assume traditional leadership positions, sometimes searching far beyond their communities for candidates.
Today, however, the increasing number of descendants within royal families has expanded the pool of eligible candidates, resulting in heightened competition and a rise in succession-related disputes.
Constitution Limits Government’s Role
The President reiterated that the 1992 Constitution prevents government from interfering directly in chieftaincy matters.
He explained that past attempts at political involvement in traditional disputes have often worsened tensions and prolonged conflicts.
According to him, government’s intervention is limited to maintaining law and order whenever disputes threaten public safety.
Chiefs Urged to Accelerate Resolution Processes
Mr. Mahama appealed to the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and other regional houses of chiefs to intensify efforts to resolve outstanding disputes through the established judicial mechanisms within the chieftaincy institution.
He noted that once peace is restored in conflict areas, responsibility for determining rightful occupants of traditional stools rests with the Judicial Committees of the various houses of chiefs.
The President assured traditional authorities of government’s continued support in providing the resources needed to facilitate dispute resolution processes.
Peace Key to Development
Mr. Mahama emphasized that peaceful traditional communities are essential to the success of government’s development agenda.
He highlighted ongoing projects under the Big Push infrastructure programme, including road construction, healthcare investments, educational improvements, agricultural interventions and plans for a regional airport in the Bono Region.
According to him, resolving chieftaincy disputes will help create an enabling environment for such projects to succeed and improve the quality of life of residents.
The President expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between government and traditional authorities would help promote peace, strengthen local governance and accelerate development across the country.
