…as Government Moves To Tackle Over 500 Pending Cases
The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has issued a stern charge to the nation’s judicial committees, urging them to swiftly resolve the country’s mounting chieftaincy disputes.
The call comes as the government grapples with over 500 pending cases that, according to the Minister, are fueling conflicts and undermining traditional authority across Ghana.
Speaking at the close of a two-day capacity-building workshop for legal counsels of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, Minister Ibrahim stressed the need for prompt action, stating, “delays in resolving these cases often worsen conflicts within communities.”
The workshop, a collaboration between the Ministry and the Judicial Training Institute, aimed to equip legal professionals with the skills needed to tackle complex issues, including chieftaincy litigation and judgment writing.
Chieftaincy at a Crossroads
Minister Ibrahim highlighted the critical role of chieftaincy in Ghana’s traditional governance, noting its importance in maintaining peace, preserving culture, and managing communal lands.
He emphasized that the legal counsels are the guardians of this institution, responsible for ensuring fairness and transparency.
“It is also your responsibility to ensure integrity and transparency in the case adjudication at the Judicial Committee level,” he added.
The Minister also assured the counsels of the government’s commitment to improving their service conditions, announcing plans for a future workshop to discuss a new service scheme.
He also revealed that the government is working to increase the allowances of paramount chiefs and queen mothers to reflect current economic conditions, with new payments expected by the next quarter.
Justice Tanko’s Plea for Integrity
In a powerful closing statement, Justice Amadu Tanko, Director of the Judicial Training Institute, reminded the legal counsels of their duty to act with integrity and prioritize the public interest.
He warned against allowing financial incentives to corrupt legal decisions, stating that such actions “undermine justice and community trust.”
Tanko urged the counsels to remember their vital role in fostering peaceful resolutions and upholding the wider interests of society.
By Philip Antoh
