Sunyani: The Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ghana Office has organized a joint meeting for Paramount Chiefs and Paramount Queen Mothers from the Bono and Bono East Regions. This inaugural gathering was part of the activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of KAS and was themed 'Traditional Authorities in Ghana: Chiefs and Queen Mothers in Peace Building and Development.' The meeting aimed to enhance the influence and capabilities of traditional authorities in governance, development, and conflict resolution.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Joseph Darmoe, Programmes Director of KAS Ghana, highlighted that chieftaincy and land disputes remain a significant issue in the two regions, with ongoing disputes hindering development efforts. Dr. Darmoe noted that, as of 2025, the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs had over forty unresolved chieftaincy and land disputes. The Regional Peace Council has engaged traditional councils to address these issues, particularly focusing on how succession disputes can weaken chieftaincy authority, strain communities, and delay development.
Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, Omanhene of the Dormaa Traditional Area and President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, expressed concern over the increasing chieftaincy disputes in the region. He attributed this partly to delays in the judicial system, stating that some cases have remained unresolved for over 20-25 years, allowing others to exploit the situation. He also mentioned that traditional authorities lack the time and financial resources necessary for effective adjudication of cases at the Regional House of Chiefs, despite increased government stipends for Chiefs.
Mr. Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, former Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, served as a facilitator at the forum. He identified disputes over succession and the prolonged processes of nomination, installation, legitimacy, and recognition as major challenges facing chieftaincy in Ghana. The forum served as a platform for traditional authorities to explore ways to strengthen their roles in peace building, governance, and development.