President John Dramani Mahama met with the steering committee of the National House of Chiefs to discuss pressing issues affecting traditional governance in Ghana, particularly the growing number of chieftaincy disputes across the country.
The meeting highlighted the need for constitutional reforms, strengthened traditional governance structures, and improved collaboration between the government and traditional authorities.
In his remarks, President Mahama acknowledged the significant role of chiefs in maintaining peace and order in their communities. He noted that chieftaincy disputes have become a major security concern, often resulting in conflicts that require government intervention to restore peace.
“In all the security briefings I’ve got after December 7th, the issue of chieftaincy disputes has become a major issue,” the President said. “Anytime a chief passes away, and a new chief has to be selected, invariably two rival chiefs or three rival chiefs suddenly appear.”
The President emphasised the importance of working with the National House of Chiefs to find solutions that prevent disputes from escalating into security crises.
Addressing the role of traditional authorities
President Mahama pointed out that the 1992 Constitution intentionally left chieftaincy matters to the chiefs themselves to prevent government interference. However, he acknowledged that the government has a role to play in ensuring law and order during chieftaincy disputes.
“I do think that there are issues that come up, especially with the selection of new chiefs, that create a security crisis. And so when law and order breaks down, government is called in to protect the peace,” he noted. “We must work with you to see how we can prevent this from happening.”
The President also referenced the recent Supreme Court ruling barring chiefs from summoning their subjects to their palaces, noting that this issue could be revisited during future constitutional reviews.
“I know when I came through your palaces, many of you raised the issue of the Supreme Court ruling barring chiefs from summoning their subjects,” Mahama said. “When the opportunity comes to look at the constitution again, I’m sure that you have a position that you can present to be able to look at that aspect of it in order to make clear what the lines of authority are in respect of our traditional rules.”
Mamponghene Daasebre Osei Bonsu’s remarks call for closer look at dissolved Ministry of Chieftaincy and other staffing issues
Mamponghene Daasebre Osei Bonsu acknowledged the importance of the meeting and the need for detailed discussions on issues affecting traditional governance.
He expressed concerns about the structural changes to the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the need to clarify the constitutional standing of chiefs.
“This is an important and impromptu meeting,” Daasebre Osei Bonsu said. “There’s a lot to be done, structurally, and also with regard to how we interpret our constitutional standing and provisions vis-à-vis the Chieftaincy Act.”
He also stressed the importance of staffing at the National House of Chiefs and the Regional Houses of Chiefs, calling for a review of the current system to ensure that chiefs have the necessary resources and personnel to effectively perform their roles.
“What is so vital to us is the standing and the role of our staff,” the Mamponghene said. “If we go back to the parent law, Constitution, it is His Excellency the President that ought to provide staffing for the National House of Chiefs and Regional Houses of Chiefs to work properly.”
He cited instances where the Civil Service Commission bypassed the National House of Chiefs in making staffing decisions, calling for a return to the constitutional provisions that give the President the authority to appoint staff for traditional councils.
Chieftaincy disputes have been a longstanding issue in Ghana, often resulting in violent clashes and prolonged conflicts that disrupt community peace and stability.
The dissolution of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has also sparked debates about the future of traditional governance in Ghana. President Mahama has assured the chiefs that his administration is committed to addressing their concerns and working collaboratively to strengthen traditional governance structures.
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