Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has expressed concern about the growing cases of chieftaincy disputes nationwide.

Describing the situation as rising national security threats, he urged the urgent resolution of those disputes, appealing for the support of traditional authorities and relevant stakeholders, worrying that nearly two-thirds of the 429 national security hotspots were linked to chieftaincy disputes.

Mr Ibrahim made the appeal when he paid courtesy on the Bono Regional House of Chiefs in Sunyani, and urged traditional authorities to remain truthful and impartial in the enstoolment of chiefs to stem the disputes.

He also urged politicians to refrain from meddling in chieftaincy matters, saying “I know traditional leaders speak the truth so if politicians refrain from meddling in chieftaincy matters and support the chieftaincy institution, then we resolve those disputes amicably”.

Mr Ibrahim, also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Banda constituency in the Bono Region emphasised that the chieftaincy institution remained relevant due to the active roles traditional authorities played in accelerated national development.

The sector minister said peace and unity remained prerequisite for progressive and sustainable development and urged traditional authorities to spearhead and promote harmony and social cohesion in their respective communities.

Earlier, in his welcoming address, Okokyeredom Sakyi Ako II, the Paramount Chief of the Drobo Traditional Area and the Vice President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs said the region was confronted with several developmental challenges.

He mentioned that poor road infrastructure impeded rapid economic growth and development in the region, saying due to the deplorable condition of roads, farmers struggled to transport their produce to marketing centers as commercial drivers visited mechanic shops frequently.

Okokyeredom Ako II expressed worry that chieftaincy disputes were having a devastating toll in the region, with clashes leading to needless fatalities.

He said: “The noble chieftaincy institution should be a tool for development and not endangers lives and destruction of properties” and appealed for the minister’s intervention in the amicable resolution of the disputes in the region, especially the Sampa protracted chieftaincy dispute.

Sompaonline.com/K.Peprah