By Maxwell Awuah, GNA
Ho, May 05, GNA – The Volta Regional Peace Council (VRPC) is monitoring, with grave concern, the unfolding chieftaincy dispute in the Ziavi Traditional Area with reports indicating a dangerously heightened tension following the installation of two rival paramount chiefs.
A release signed by Dr David Normanyo, the Volta Regional Director of the Council, noted the entity is particularly alarmed by reports that both factions are preparing to outdoor events to introduce their respective claimants to the paramount stool on May 09, 2026.
It said such simultaneous public gatherings pose an immediate and significant threat to public safety and regional security.
“The VRPC wishes to clarify that under Chapter 22 of the 1992 Constitution, and the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), the National Peace Council does not have the legal mandate to adjudicate the validity of an enstoolment.
The determination of the rightful successor to a stool falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Traditional Councils and the Regional or National Houses of Chiefs.”
It noted that the substantive legal issues are for the chieftaincy institution to resolve the evolution of this dispute into a threat to public order that brings it under the purview of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
In response to the current situation, the Regional Peace Council urged the contesting factions to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any outdoor public events or “outdooring” ceremonies that could incite violence.
It urged the Ziavi Traditional Council to lodge present formal petitions regarding rival installations immediately with the Volta Regional House of Chiefs for legal resolution.
The Council is engaging with the Ghana Police Service and the Regional Security Council to address the criminal elements of the dispute, including the reported use of firearms and the presence of “armed allies.”
The Regional Peace Council said, it “remains available to provide mediation support specifically aimed at de-escalating tensions and preventing the loss of life,” adding that, successful mediation requires parties to move beyond “victor and vanquished” legal battles and prioritise the peace of the Ziavi people.
“We call on all elders, youth, and stakeholders in Ziavi to choose the path of dialogue and respect the constitutional processes laid down for the resolution of chieftaincy matters,” the statement advised.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah