Chiefs Push for Recognition as Key Partners in Development

The Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs has called on government to give the chieftaincy institution greater recognition as a key partner in Ghana’s development agenda.

The call was made during a meeting with the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, at the Guggisberg Memorial Hall in Dodowa.

Led by His Majesty King Prof. Nii Odaifio Welentsi III, Nungua Mantse and President of the Regional House of Chiefs, the traditional leaders emphasized the need for deeper inclusion of chiefs in governance and community transformation efforts.

They also urged government to expedite the amendment of Section 63 of the Chieftaincy Act to empower traditional authorities in enforcing discipline and ensuring accountability within their areas of jurisdiction.

Responding to the concerns, Minister Ahmed Ibrahim reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between traditional leadership and local governance structures. He said the merger of the two ministries under the government’s “Reset Agenda” seeks to promote coordination, eliminate overlaps, and enhance the role of chiefs in local policy implementation.

“Development at the local level cannot succeed without the active participation of traditional authorities,” he stated.

The Minister further appealed to chiefs to support government’s efforts to resolve chieftaincy disputes, emphasizing that peace and stability remain essential for sustainable growth.

He also reiterated government’s renewed focus on the National Sanitation Day (NSD) initiative, encouraging traditional leaders to champion community participation and enforce sanitation by-laws.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, praised the engagement and called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and the House of Chiefs.

Both parties pledged to work closely in promoting peace, stability, and inclusive development across the region.