By Leo Nelson
The Government has approved an increase in quarterly funding for the adjudication of chieftaincy disputes, raising allocations to Regional Houses of Chiefs from GH¢30,000 to GH¢50,000 in a bid to improve efficiency and strengthen traditional governance structures.
The increase, which will take effect in the coming weeks, was announced by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, during a familiarisation visit to the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs in Dodowa.
Mr Ibrahim said the decision was in response to persistent concerns about inadequate funding, which had slowed the resolution of chieftaincy disputes and constrained the work of the Houses of Chiefs. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the institution of chieftaincy and supporting its constitutional role in dispute resolution.
According to the Minister, timely and effective adjudication of chieftaincy cases is critical to maintaining peace, stability and social cohesion, particularly in the Greater Accra Region, given its diversity and strategic importance to national development.
He also acknowledged the central role of traditional authorities as custodians of culture, customary law and community harmony, noting that their contributions remain integral to Ghana’s governance and conflict-resolution architecture.
Mr Ibrahim further highlighted operational challenges facing the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, including shortages of sub-professional staff such as bailiffs, security personnel and cleaners, which he said undermined efficiency, security and the dignity of the institution.
“These challenges go beyond administrative inconvenience. They affect the effectiveness of the chieftaincy institution and, by extension, peace and development in our communities,” he said.
The Minister assured the House that his Ministry would continue to engage relevant stakeholders to identify practical and sustainable solutions to strengthen the capacity of Regional Houses of Chiefs across the country.
He also disclosed that government has increased monthly allowances for paramount chiefs and queen mothers to GH¢3,000 and GH¢2,400 respectively, representing a 300 per cent increase, and said funds had already been released through the Regional Houses of Chiefs to support their operations.
Mr Ibrahim described the visit as the start of closer collaboration between government and traditional authorities, stressing that effective local and national development requires their active partnership.
In response, the President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, welcomed the increased allocation, saying limited funding in the past had restricted the House to sitting for only a few days each quarter, resulting in delays in case disposal.
He said the enhanced funding would significantly improve the House’s capacity to hear cases promptly and reduce frustration among litigants.
HRM Welentsi III, who is also the Nungua Mantse, called for greater investment in research into chieftaincy matters, particularly the documentation of succession lines to stools in the region, noting that inadequate historical and customary research had contributed to recurring disputes.
He also appealed for government support to complete the House’s new office complex, describing it as critical to improving working conditions and operational efficiency.
The President of the House expressed confidence that deeper collaboration between government and traditional authorities would enhance access to timely justice and strengthen social cohesion in the Greater Accra Region.