By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
President John Dramani Mahama has acknowledged the crucial role traditional leaders play in Ghana’s governance, particularly in conflict resolution, noting that chiefs wield significant influence over their people and are key to maintaining peace, which he described as a prerequisite for development.
He commended chiefs for their efforts in preserving peace, citing their involvement in mediating various issues, including marital disputes. However, the President expressed concern over chieftaincy disputes, which he said often escalate into national security challenges.
President Mahama observed that some traditional areas enjoy prolonged peace under respected chiefs, but experience instability after their passing due to succession disputes. He attributed these conflicts to wealth, bribery and corruption, which sometimes result in illegitimate successors being installed.
He urged the National House of Chiefs to take steps to address the issue in order to safeguard peace across traditional areas.
The President clarified that while government has no role to play in chieftaincy succession, it has a responsibility to intervene when disputes threaten law and order.
“Government has no role to play in chieftaincy succession, but when it results in disturbances of the peace, law and order, then we can step in,” he said during a courtesy call by the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs at the Presidency on Tuesday.
President Mahama also praised Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and his committee for their role in mediating the Bawku conflict, highlighting the continued importance of traditional leaders in national governance and peacebuilding.
