Chieftaincy Minister (R) exchanging pleasantries with members of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs
The government has begun the process of amending the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), as part of efforts to strengthen the chieftaincy institution and enhance its role in Ghana’s governance framework.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, announced this on Monday, February 2, 2026, during a familiarisation visit to the Bono Regional House of Chiefs in Sunyani.
He disclosed that a committee has been constituted to undertake the amendment process, which is expected to commence within the 2026 calendar year, highlighting the government’s commitment to the institution of chieftaincy.
Addressing the House, the Minister explained that the proposed amendments aim to address contemporary challenges within the chieftaincy system, improve institutional efficiency, and strengthen collaboration between Traditional Authorities and state institutions.
He reaffirmed the government’s respect for the chieftaincy institution as guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution and conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana.
The Bono visit is part of the Minister’s nationwide familiarisation tour, which has already included visits to the Greater Accra, Volta, and Upper West Regional Houses of Chiefs. The tour seeks to deepen engagement with Traditional Authorities and discuss key policy priorities.
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Ahmed Ibrahim described the Bono Regional House of Chiefs as a critical pillar in Ghana’s governance architecture, noting its role in preserving culture, resolving disputes, maintaining peace, and promoting social cohesion.
He acknowledged challenges confronting the Regional Houses of Chiefs, particularly inadequate financial resources for adjudicating chieftaincy disputes and shortages of essential sub-professional staff.
To address these concerns, the Minister announced that the government has increased the quarterly allocation for adjudication of chieftaincy cases from GH¢30,000 to GH¢50,000, effective April 1, 2025, to facilitate timely delivery of justice. He further assured the House of the government’s commitment to improving operational capacity through continued stakeholder engagement.
On the welfare of Traditional Authorities, Ahmed Ibrahim revealed that the monthly allowances of Paramount Chiefs and Queen Mothers have been increased to GH¢3,000 and GH¢2,400, respectively, representing a 300 percent increment. He noted that the funds have already been released to support the work of Traditional Authorities nationwide.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing the 24-Hour Model Market initiative and urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to collaborate closely with Traditional Leaders to ensure its success.
He emphasised that Traditional Authorities, as custodians of land, are key partners in making suitable land available for the project and assured that the government will neither demolish existing structures nor engage in speculative land acquisition.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with Traditional Authorities, stressing that sustainable development at the local level cannot be achieved without their active participation.
The leadership and members of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs welcomed the Minister’s visit and expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to chieftaincy reforms, welfare improvements, and policies aimed at promoting peace and development in the region.
The President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, commended the government for its initiatives, particularly the construction of principal roads in the region, and praised the Minister for his efforts in chieftaincy, local governance, and sanitation.
He, however, appealed to the Minister to urge President John Dramani Mahama to fast-track the Sampa road project, citing slow progress by the contractor.
Osagyefo Badu II also urged the MMDCEs in the Bono Region to prioritise environmental health and sanitation, stating that if they fail to do so, the government should delegate the mandate to chiefs, who are already enforcing cleanliness in their traditional areas.
BAI/MA
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