Chiefs Call for Greater Recognition in National Development — Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim Pledges Stronger Collaboration

The Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs has called on government to accord the Chieftaincy Institution greater recognition as a critical stakeholder in national development.

Meeting with the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, at the Guggisberg Memorial Hall in Dodowa, the Chiefs, led by His Majesty King Prof. Nii Odaifio Welentsi III, Nungua Mantse and President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, emphasized the need for deeper involvement of traditional authorities in governance and community transformation.

They also urged government to expedite the amendment of Section 63 of the Chieftaincy Act to grant Chiefs greater authority in maintaining discipline and ensuring accountability within their jurisdictions.

Responding, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between traditional and local governance systems through the merger of the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs under the government’s “Reset Agenda.”

He said the merger is aimed at promoting coordination, eliminating overlaps, and enhancing the integration of traditional leadership in policy implementation at the local level. “Development at the local level cannot succeed without the active participation of Traditional Authorities,” he emphasized.

The Minister also appealed to Chiefs to partner with government in addressing Chieftaincy-related disputes in the Region, noting that peace and stability are vital to sustainable development.

He further underscored government’s renewed commitment to the National Sanitation Day (NSD) initiative, which seeks to empower Traditional Leaders to champion community participation and enforcement of sanitation by-laws.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, commended the engagement and called for stronger cooperation between the Ministry and the House of Chiefs, stressing that development thrives when government and traditional institutions work together.

Both sides pledged to strengthen their partnership in advancing peace, stability, and inclusive growth across the Greater Accra Region.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
MLGCRA Public Relations Unit