Kumasi: Members of the National House of Chiefs have expressed concern over the frequent administrative changes that see them being placed under various ministries with each successive government.
According to Ghana Web, the chiefs are advocating for a structural change that would position the chieftaincy institution directly under the Office of the President, rather than being subject to oversight through different ministries.
The President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahohuo Yaw Gyebi II, voiced this appeal during a meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy in Kumasi. The committee, led by Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, visited to understand the challenges traditional authorities face, with a view to proposing solutions in Parliament. Ogyeahohuo Yaw Gyebi II emphasized the importance of preserving the independence and dignity of the chieftaincy institution, echoing sentiments previously expressed by other traditional leaders like the chief of Bompata, Nana.
The president highlighted that the frequent shifts between ministries disrupt administrative continuity and undermine the constitutional status of traditional leaders. He argued that the National House of Chiefs, given its pivotal role in national development and peace-building, should be anchored directly within the Presidency, akin to other independent constitutional bodies. This would provide the institution with better access to resources and stabilize its operations, making them less subject to changes in ministerial priorities.
Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, chairing the Select Committee, explained that their mission is to connect traditional authorities with the legislature. He noted Parliament's interest in addressing issues such as the high cost of resolving chieftaincy disputes and inadequate resources for the Houses of Chiefs. He assured the chiefs that their concerns would be prioritized in national discussions.
The National House of Chiefs further emphasized that being placed under the Presidency would reduce bureaucratic delays and enhance the relationship between the state and traditional leaders. The visit concluded with Ogyeahohuo Yaw Gyebi expressing optimism that the Select Committee would support this reform, alongside other issues like preventing partisan interference in chieftaincy matters and ensuring proper funding for the Regional and National Houses of Chiefs to expedite dispute resolutions.