Government has announced an increase in the quarterly allowance allocated for the adjudication of chieftaincy disputes, a move aimed at strengthening the capacity of Judicial Committees of the Regional Houses of Chiefs to deliver timely and effective justice.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, made this known during a familiarisation visit to the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs in Dodowa on Thursday, 22nd January 2026.
According to him, the amount earmarked for adjudication of cases has been increased from Thirty Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢30,000.00) to Fifty Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢50,000.00) per quarter, effective 1st April 2026. The increment is to support Judicial Committees in meeting the logistical and administrative demands associated with the hearing and determination of chieftaincy disputes.
Hon. Ibrahim observed that inadequate funding has, over time, affected the smooth and timely resolution of cases, thereby placing strain on the justice delivery role of the chieftaincy institution. He noted that the enhanced allocation would help facilitate proceedings, improve efficiency, and uphold the dignity of the adjudication process.
The work of the Judicial Committees, he indicated, is paramount as it promotes peace, stability, and social cohesion in communities where there are misunderstandings. This increase is a deliberate step to address longstanding financial constraints that hinder effective adjudication.
He further reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening the institutional capacity of the Regional Houses of Chiefs, adding that challenges such as shortages of essential support staff and operational resources would continue to receive attention through stakeholder engagement and realistic interventions within available resources.
The Minister emphasised that empowering traditional authorities, particularly in their adjudicatory role, remains critical to Ghana’s governance architecture, given their constitutional mandate in the resolution of chieftaincy disputes and maintenance of peace at the local level.
The increment in the adjudication allowance forms part of broader government efforts to support traditional institutions and enhance their effectiveness in promoting justice, peace, and development across the country.
He, however, hinted that the 300% increment for paramount chiefs and queen mothers’ quarterly allowance has been released to all sixteen regional houses for disbursement. Currently, queen mothers are to receive two thousand, four hundred Ghana cedis (₵2,400) and chiefs will receive three thousand Ghana Cedis ( ₵3,000). The new rate is to enhance the role of traditional leaders in the governance of the country.
The President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, King Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, has on behalf of the House expressed their excitement about the news and the Minister for appealed resource allocation to research into the lines of succession.
He believed that strengthening this area would help reduce future disputes, restore public confidence in the chieftaincy adjudication process, and promote peace and justice in the Greater Accra Region. He reiterated the House’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry to resolve outstanding cases and advance development within the traditional governance system.
Source: Chantal Aidoo
Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA
