Sunyani: The Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ghana Office, as part of its 60th Anniversary celebrations, has convened an inaugural joint meeting for Paramount Chiefs and Queen Mothers in the Bono and Bono East regions. The gathering aimed to equip traditional authorities with a more influential role in modern governance, development, and conflict resolution.
According to Ghana Web, the event, themed 'Traditional Authorities in Ghana: Chiefs and Queen Mothers in Peacebuilding and Development,' highlighted the increasing challenges related to chieftaincy and land disputes in the regions. Dr. Joseph Darmoe, Programme Director of KAS Ghana, addressed the issue, pointing out the alarming rise in disputes and their impact on community development. He emphasized the need for peace as a prerequisite for development, noting the detrimental effects of contested boundaries on investment.
Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, Omanhene of the Dormaa Traditional Area and President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, expressed concerns over the judicial system's delays in resolving chieftaincy disputes. He highlighted that some cases remain unresolved for over two decades, allowing for exploitation of the situation. He also noted the lack of financial resources provided to traditional authorities for adjudicating such cases, despite an increase in stipends for chiefs.
Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, Esq, a former Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, who facilitated the forum, identified succession disputes and lengthy nomination processes as significant challenges within the chieftaincy system. These issues, he suggested, contribute to the ongoing disputes that hinder effective governance and community development.