The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, on Tuesday, 10th February 2026, led a delegation from the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs to the Office of the President to express appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for government’s sustained support to traditional authorities.
Hon Ibrahim said the Regional House was grateful for the priority government places on traditional leadership, citing a 300 per cent increase in the quarterly allowances of chiefs and queen mothers and a 67 per cent increment in judicial committee allowances to strengthen the adjudication of chieftaincy disputes nationwide.
The delegation also commended the President and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for the calm restored in Bawku through ongoing mediation efforts, noting that the renewed peace is critical for development in the area.
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, queen mothers and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), the Paramount Chief and President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, Channa Pio, assured government of their unwavering commitment to ensuring that all parties involved in the Bawku conflict cooperate fully with the mediation process to achieve lasting peace. He further appealed to government to revive the Pwalugu Tomato Factory as a strategic intervention to create employment for the youth and curb rural-urban migration in the region.
In his response, President Mahama announced a One Billion Ghana Cedis allocation for the redevelopment of Bawku, explaining that the funds will support the restoration of roads, health facilities, education infrastructure and investment opportunities. He reaffirmed government’s respect for chieftaincy administration, stressing that government will continue to be guided by the 1992 Constitution while recognising traditional leaders as key partners in governance, peacebuilding and local development.
The President urged traditional authorities to uphold clear rules of lines of succession to curb corruption, reduce conflicts and promote stability for sustained economic growth.
Source : Chantal Aidoo
Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA
