By Frank Kwame Abbor
Ho (V/R), Jan 17, GNA – Volta Regional Minister James Gunu and Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, have paid a working visit to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akurutinga Ayine to pursue legal reforms aimed at addressing chieftaincy disputes.
The visit, which took place on January 16, 2026, also brought the delegation into discussions with the Deputy Attorney-General and Dr Justice Srem Sai.
The engagement formed part of sustained efforts by regional authorities to confront chieftaincy disputes in the Volta Region with urgency and more seriousness.
Discussions at the high-level meeting focused on practical and forward-looking legal strategies to address persistent chieftaincy conflicts in some traditional areas.
Mr Gunu said the delegation highlighted the need to review and possibly reform aspects of existing chieftaincy laws, which have become encumbered by bureaucratic delays over time.
He noted that such bottlenecks often slowed down dispute resolution processes and, in some cases, deepened tensions within affected traditional communities.
“Chieftaincy disputes do not only affect social harmony; they also have wider economic implications,” Mr Gunu said during the meeting.
He explained that prolonged disputes could erode investor confidence, as investors preferred stable communities with clear and predictable traditional authority structures.
According to the Regional Minister, uncertainty arising from unresolved disputes disrupted local governance and discouraged both local and foreign investments.
He said this situation ultimately slowed development and job creation in communities affected by chieftaincy conflicts.
Mr Gunu expressed satisfaction with assurances from the Attorney-General and the Deputy Attorney-General, who pledged their commitment to collaborate on legal and administrative reforms.
He reaffirmed his resolve to work closely with traditional leaders and state institutions to safeguard peace, strengthen governance, and create an enabling environment for development across the Volta Region.
Mr Ikilil Mohammed, Registrar of the Regional House of Chiefs told the Ghana News Agency in the interview that currently, about 31 cases are under litigation with some additional 30 cases being contested at the region’s traditional councils.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah