By Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans by the government to codify chieftaincy succession processes in the Upper West Region to reduce disputes and strengthen peace in traditional communities.
Addressing the chiefs of Upper West Regional House of Chiefs at the Jubilee house on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, President Mahama said the proposed reforms would clearly define royal families, recognised succession gates and rotational arrangements, making the process of selecting chiefs more transparent and reducing disputes over traditional leadership.
He said the move would ensure that only rightful successors are considered for traditional leadership positions and reduce conflicts arising from chieftaincy disputes.
President Mahama commended the chiefs for maintaining peace in the Upper West Region despite growing instability in neighbouring Sahel countries.
He described peace as the foundation for development and urged traditional leaders to continue promoting unity within their communities.
The President, however, expressed concern that some kingmakers have become influenced by money, leading to the selection of individuals who do not belong to the appropriate royal families.
According to him, such practices have contributed to many of the chieftaincy conflicts witnessed in recent years.
President Mahama said a clearly documented succession system would identify eligible royal families, succession gates and the order of rotation, making the selection process more transparent.
He expressed confidence that codifying succession procedures would help minimise chieftaincy disputes and promote lasting peace across traditional areas in Ghana.
