By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), Jan. 24, GNA – Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening the Chieftaincy institution, calling the Volta Regional House of Chiefs a vital pillar of Ghana’s governance.
Mr Ibrahim made the remarks on Friday during a familiarisation visit to the Volta Regional House of Chiefs in Ho, where he commended traditional leaders for their role in preserving culture, resolving disputes, and promoting peace and social cohesion in the diverse and fast-growing Volta Region.
“As custodians of our traditions, culture, and customary laws, you play a vital role not only in preserving our heritage, but also in maintaining peace, resolving disputes, and promoting social cohesion,” he said, noting that the work of the House was central to stability, development, and national political and economic life.
Mr Ibrahim acknowledged that the House continued to discharge its constitutional mandate under challenging conditions, particularly limited financial resources for adjudicating chieftaincy disputes.
He announced that, effective April 1, the quarterly allocation for adjudication of cases would be increased from GH¢30,000 to GH¢50,000 to improve the timely delivery of justice.
The Minister also highlighted shortages of essential sub-professional staff, including bailiffs, security personnel, and cleaners, which he said posed administrative, operational, and security challenges to the smooth functioning of the House.
“These challenges go beyond administrative inconveniences. They affect the efficiency, dignity, and effectiveness of the Chieftaincy institution and, by extension, peace and development within our communities,” he said.
He assured the chiefs that the Government, through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, would continue to engage relevant stakeholders to explore practical and sustainable solutions within the framework of national priorities and available resources.
“This visit marks the beginning of deeper engagement and closer collaboration between my Ministry and this noble House,” Mr Ibrahim added.
The Minister disclosed that monthly allowances for Paramount Chiefs and Queen Mothers had been substantially increased to GH¢3,000 and GH¢2,400 respectively, representing a 300 per cent increment under the John Dramani Mahama administration.
He said the funds had been released to the Regional House of Chiefs for disbursement to facilitate the work of traditional authorities.
Mr Ibrahim also briefed the House on the Government’s commitment to implementing the 24-Hour Model Market Initiative, which aims to create modern, one-stop commercial hubs and decongest existing central markets.
He encouraged Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) and traditional authorities to work collaboratively to ensure the success of the initiative, noting that chiefs, as custodians of land, played a critical role in making suitable sites available for market construction.
He said the procurement process was underway to engage contractors to replicate satellite market designs nationwide, adding that traditional authorities who provide land for the project would be duly acknowledged.
“I look forward to continued dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation as we work together to promote peace, uphold justice, and advance national development through a strong, credible, and respected Chieftaincy institution,” he said.
Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, commended the productive collaboration between the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), noting that the partnership had led to capacity-building initiatives, including training for the House’s Judicial Committee and joint inspections of government projects across the Region.
“We will take this collaboration to another level this year to ensure that all government flagship programmes in the Region are successfully implemented,” he said.
Mr Gunu encouraged MDCEs to strengthen engagement with traditional authorities at the local level, stressing the importance of integration between local assemblies and traditional leadership structures for effective development delivery.
“We have gone beyond recognition to integration,” he said, adding that stronger coordination was essential for ensuring development in traditional areas.
Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Anfoega, welcomed the Minister and his delegation, describing the Region as peaceful and conducive to constructive engagement.
He commended the Government for its continued engagement with traditional authorities and applauded recent development efforts, including the commissioning of a new building for the Adaklu Traditional Council.
“We are grateful for the fruitful deliberations and the continued partnership in advancing development in our traditional areas,” he said.
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu