By Edward Dankwah
Dodowa (GAR), Jan. 23, GNA – The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has announced an increase in quarterly financial allocations for the adjudication of chieftaincy disputes from GH¢30,000 to GH¢50,000, which is scheduled to be implemented soon.
The gesture forms part of measures to strengthen the operations of Regional Houses of Chiefs.
Speaking during a familiarisation visit to the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs in Dodowa, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Sector Minister, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the institution of chieftaincy and its constitutional mandate.
Mr Ibrahim said the increment was in response to concerns raised about inadequate funding, which had affected the timely and effective resolution of chieftaincy disputes.
He noted that improving adjudication processes was critical to maintaining peace, stability and social cohesion, particularly in Greater Accra, given its diversity and strategic importance to national development.
Mr. Ibrahim acknowledged the pivotal role played by traditional authorities as custodians of culture, custom and customary law, stressing that their contribution to conflict resolution and community stability remained indispensable to Ghana’s governance architecture.
The Minister indicated that the House faced operational challenges, including shortages of essential sub-professional staff such as bailiffs, security personnel and cleaners, which he said undermined efficiency, security and the dignity of the institution.
“These challenges go beyond administrative inconvenience. They affect the effectiveness of the chieftaincy institution and, by extension, peace and development within our communities,” he added.
He assured the House that the government, through the Ministry, would continue to engage stakeholders to identify practical and sustainable solutions within available resources to strengthen the capacity of Regional Houses of Chiefs.
The Minister said the government had substantially increased monthly allowances for paramount chiefs and queen mothers to GH¢3,000 and GH¢2,400 respectively, representing a 300 per cent increment.
He added that funds had already been released for disbursement through the Regional Houses of Chiefs to facilitate their work.
Mr. Ibrahim said the visit was the beginning of deeper collaboration between the Ministry and traditional authorities, noting that meaningful local development could not be achieved without their active partnership.
His Royal Majesty (HRM) King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs (GARHC), said limited quarterly allocations for sittings had constrained the House’s ability to dispose of cases in a timely manner but with the recent increment, much would be done in that regard.
He said the funds previously allocated allowed the House to sit for a maximum of five days in a quarter, a situation that had contributed to delays and generated dissatisfaction among litigants, adding that, much progress would be achieved with the gesture by the Government.
The President of the House, who is also the Nungua Mantse, highlighted the need to strengthen research into chieftaincy matters, particularly the documentation of lines of succession to stools in the region.
He noted that inadequate attention to research had contributed to recurring disputes, appealing for dedicated resources to support historical and customary research as a preventive measure.
“Enhanced research capacity would not only help resolve existing cases but also curb future conflicts by providing clarity on succession issues across the region,” he added.
HRM Welentsi III appealed for government support to facilitate the completion of the House’s new office complex, describing the project as critical to improving working conditions and operational efficiency.
He expressed optimism that with stronger collaboration between government and traditional authorities, the House would be better positioned to deliver timely justice and strengthen social cohesion across the region.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah