The Government of Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to the construction of six Regional Houses of Chiefs for the newly created regions, as part of deliberate efforts to strengthen the institution of chieftaincy and enhance its capacity to promote peace, justice and development across the country.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, announced this during a familiarisation visit to the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs in Techiman, noting that the provision of permanent and well-equipped office complexes will significantly improve the administrative and adjudicatory functions of the Houses of Chiefs, while preserving the dignity of the institution.
According to the Minister, the initiative reflects Government’s recognition of the pivotal role traditional authorities play in national governance, particularly in dispute resolution, social cohesion and the preservation of Ghana’s cultural heritage. He emphasized that strengthening chieftaincy institutions remains a key priority under Government’s decentralisation and local governance agenda.
The President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs has commended the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs for the bold initiatives being implemented to strengthen chieftaincy institutions across the country, describing them as critical to effective traditional governance and dispute resolution.
He also used the occasion to applaud Government for what he described as a tremendous job in stabilising the economy, noting that recent interventions are making the economy more viable and improving the comfort and well-being of citizens.
For his part, the President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, Nana welcomed the Minister and his delegation on their second visit to the House in less than five months and praised the continuous engagement with traditional authorities. He expressed appreciation for the increment in monthly allowances for traditional rulers and the enhancement of judicial support to the Regional Houses of Chiefs, stressing that these measures would significantly improve the administration of chieftaincy justice.
The President further highlighted Government’s recent economic achievements, including the stabilisation of the Ghana cedi, reduction in policy rates, and flagship initiatives such as the Big Push Project, the “Nkokor Nkitikiti” initiative, and the proposed 24-hour economy markets, expressing optimism that these policies would deliver tangible benefits to Ghanaians.
While reaffirming the support of Nananom for Government, the President also appealed for urgent attention to challenges facing the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, including the stalled construction of a permanent office complex, inadequate logistics, delayed payment of counsels, and staffing gaps within Traditional Councils. He called for strengthened collaboration between Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and traditional authorities to advance local governance and national development.
Source: Stephanie Edem Klutsey
Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA
