By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA
Kumasi, Nov. 10, GNA – The National House of Chiefs has urged the government to invest more resources in traditional authorities to strengthen their capacity to prevent conflicts and avert the huge financial costs associated with managing security crises.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs, said government must prioritise preventive measures by equipping chiefs to address disputes at the community level before they escalated into violence and required expensive security interventions.
He argued that traditional authorities, who maintained close relationships with their communities, were better positioned to detect tensions and resolve disagreements before they developed into serious security threats.
“Do not wait until matters get out of control before we send the military and the police,” he urged, emphasising the need to resource traditional leaders to intervene promptly whenever signs of trouble emerged.
Ogyeahoho Gyebi was speaking when the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, engaged members of the National House of Chiefs ahead of the presentation of the 2027 National Budget Statement and Economic Policy in Parliament on Thursday, November 12.
He said the country could avoid unnecessary expenditure on security operations and post-conflict interventions if adequate attention was paid to early warning systems and community-based conflict resolution.
He called for stronger cooperation between traditional authorities and the national security agencies, saying chiefs needed the necessary logistical and financial support to respond effectively to emerging challenges in their jurisdictions.
The traditional leader also commended the Finance Minister for his efforts in managing the economy, expressing the hope that the forthcoming budget would consolidate the gains made and create more opportunities, particularly for young people.
He said economic stability and increased opportunities for the youth were important ingredients in building peaceful and resilient communities.
The National House of Chiefs President said traditional authorities remained critical partners in the country’s development and deserved greater recognition and support in national efforts to maintain peace and security.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Yussif Ibrahim
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