Government is working to revitalise the Chieftaincy Act to restore the powers of chiefs to summon subjects who breach laws and disturb the peace in their communities.
Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, who made the announcement, has also announced that government is finalising 17 lines of succession to stools and skins for submission to Parliament, a move he says will bring clarity and reduce chieftaincy disputes.
Speaking at the 2026 Asogli Te Za, in Ho on Saturday, October 3, Ayariga said the measures are aimed at strengthening traditional governance and ensuring stability within the chieftaincy institution.
“The Ministry is working hard to revitalise the Chieftaincy Act to restore chiefs’ powers to summon subjects who breach laws and disturb peace in their communities,” he stated, adding that work is also ongoing to “validate and legalise lines of succession to bring clarity, reduce disputes, and ensure stability of our chieftaincy institutions.”
Minister Ayariga further disclosed that government is seeking to finalise “17 lines of succession to stools and skins for submission to parliament for passage.”
When passed, the Minister explained that the instruments will reduce conflicts over eligibility to occupy stools and skins and clarify who has the capacity to nominate, elect and select persons to occupy them.
The Bawku Central legislator further indicated that the Ministry remains committed to working closely with the chieftaincy institution to promote cultural heritage and enhance religious harmony.
“We recognise the invaluable role of chiefs, queen mothers, and religious leaders in nurturing honesty, guiding purpose, and promoting peace in our nation,” he said.
He added that since assuming office, government has worked to improve resource allocation to traditional authorities to enable them to organise meetings and resolve chieftaincy conflicts, including the construction and upgrading of office complexes for Houses of Chiefs, particularly in the newly created regions.
Gov’t seeks more funding for Houses of Chiefs to resolve disputes faster — Ayariga
