352 chieftaincy disputes remain unresolved in Ghana

The Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr. Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, has expressed concern about the high number of unresolved chieftaincy disputes.

He indicated that nationwide there were a total of 352 such disputes.  

He said his ministry was eager to deepen the engagement with the relevant stakeholders to amicably settle them to bring enduring peace the affected areas.

Mr. Dzamesi was speaking at the inauguration of the Asuboa Traditional Council at Asuboa in the Asante-Akim South District.

The Asuboa Stool was elevated to paramountcy by the late Asantehene, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, but the opening of the Council to enable it to start exercising its official mandate was held back.

A High Court Judge, Justice Kofi Akrowia, was on hand to perform the ceremony on Wednesday.

The Minister, who was there to witness the event noted that chieftaincy conflicts had unwelcomed consequences for the lives of not only the local people but the entire nation.

Resources that could otherwise have gone into the provision of health facilities, schools, water and roads, would often be diverted to maintain security in times of clashes.

He said this could not continue and outlined steps taken to reduce disputes.

These include making sure that traditional boundaries are clearly defined to avert potential disputes.

He gave the assurance that more registrars were going to be recruited for the traditional councils for effective administration of the chieftaincy institution.

Mr. Alexander Frimpong, the District Chief Executive (DCE), promised to work closely with chiefs in the district to bring development to the communities.

Baffour Kwaku Ofori II, Omanhene of Asuboa, pledged his unwavering commitment towards the progress of the area.

Source: GNA