The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has pledged the government’s commitment to improving the working conditions of Chieftaincy Judicial Committees to ensure efficient dispute resolution within the traditional leadership system.

Addressing the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Thursday 13th February, 2025, he acknowledged the critical role these committees play in adjudicating succession conflicts, destoolments, and land disputes. He noted that inadequate resources and the reluctance of legal professionals to serve on the committees have hindered their effectiveness, promising targeted interventions to address these challenges.

Hon. Ibrahim disclosed that the government will introduce training programs for non-lawyer members of the committees to enhance their adjudication skills. Additionally, he assured that a review of the existing legislative framework, including outdated legal instruments governing the chieftaincy sector, will be undertaken in collaboration with the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs.

To attract and retain competent legal professionals, the Minister stated that the government would engage the Attorney General’s Office to explore ways of improving the conditions of service for lawyers assisting the committees. He stressed that well-resourced and motivated Judicial Committees would contribute to reducing chieftaincy disputes and strengthening the institution.

He assured the traditional leaders that the government values their role in governance and will continue to implement policies that will enhance the credibility and efficiency of the chieftaincy system.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has called on traditional leaders to take an active role in the fight against illegal mining. Speaking at a meeting with the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Thursday 13th February, 2025, he emphasized the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s environment and water bodies, stressing that chiefs must use their influence to curb the menace.

Hon. Ibrahim announced the government’s plan to amend the Chieftaincy Act to restore the power of chiefs to summon individuals engaged in illegal mining and other harmful activities.

He noted that a Supreme Court’s ruling had limited this authority, but the amendment would empower chiefs to enforce accountability within their jurisdictions.

He further assured the chiefs of government’s commitment to working closely with traditional leaders to develop sustainable solutions to illegal mining. According to him, protecting natural resources is a shared responsibility, and chiefs, as custodians of the land, have a crucial role to play in safeguarding the environment for future generations.

The Minister also encouraged chiefs to collaborate with local assemblies to strengthen enforcement measures. He stressed that without their full involvement, the fight against illegal mining would remain incomplete, urging them to take a firm stand against the practice.

Hon. Ibrahim reechoed the government’s unwavering support for the chieftaincy institution, assuring traditional leaders that their contributions in the fight against illegal mining would be met with concrete action and policy backing.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has assured government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s chieftaincy institution. Addressing the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Thursday 13^th February, 2025, he assured traditional leaders of sustained support in addressing long-standing challenges affecting the institution.

He noted that chieftaincy dispute often arising from succession conflicts and destoolments continue to threaten national peace and stability. To tackle this, he pledged increased government support for the Judicial Committees of the Houses of Chiefs, equipping them with the necessary resources to expedite dispute resolution. He also announced plans to train non-lawyer members of these committees to improve efficiency.

Hon. Ibrahim emphasized the need for legal reforms to modernize the chieftaincy structure. He revealed that the government will review existing legislative instruments regulating the institution, some of which have remained unchanged since 1972. The review, he said, will be done in collaboration with the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs to ensure relevance in contemporary governance.

Recognizing the financial constraints chiefs face in carrying out their responsibilities, the Minister announced plans to review allowances paid to traditional rulers. He assured them that the government is considering a more sustainable support system to enable chiefs to function effectively as key stakeholders in governance and development.

The Minister also pledged to push for the validation and legalization of succession lines to reduce disputes over traditional leadership. He said reports on these succession lines, which have been compiled but remain unimplemented, will be prioritized for passage into law to bring clarity and stability to traditional leadership transitions.

Hon. Ibrahim reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between the chieftaincy institution and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). He stressed that chiefs remain critical partners in national development and assured them of a stronger working relationship with local government structures.

He  urged  the National House of Chiefs to actively participate in the ongoing constitutional review process by submitting proposals that reflect the needs and aspirations of traditional leaders. He assured them that the government remains committed to preserving and elevating the chieftaincy institution as an integral part of Ghana’s governance system.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)