Bono Minister laments chieftaincy disputes as bane to socio-economic development

Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing chieftaincy disputes plaguing the Bono Region, highlighting the detrimental impact on the region's socio-economic development.

Speaking at the first Regional Heads of Department meeting for 2024, held at the Regional Coordinating Council in Sunyani, she emphasized the urgent need to address these conflicts.

The Minister noted that the persistent chieftaincy disputes have caused significant distress for both the District Security Council (DISEC) and the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), particularly during the past Christmas and Easter festivities.

“Currently, the Sampa chieftaincy disputes are the most severe. Since June 2023, these disputes have escalated, leading to intermittent clashes between the two factions, resulting in four deaths and numerous injuries,” she stated.

“Sampa now has two competing chiefs. To restore calm and peace, a curfew has been imposed on the community, and substantial resources have been spent on security personnel to maintain order,” she added.

Madam Justina lamented that the situation has drained resources that were intended for development and has negatively impacted the economic prosperity of the area. She called upon the Regional House of Chiefs to expedite the resolution of all chieftaincy disputes before the Judicial Committee of the House to prevent further escalation.

Regarding the 2024 general elections, the Minister urged the public to exercise caution and avoid provocative language and behavior that could incite violence. “Let us continue to embrace peace so that Ghana remains a beacon of democracy and peace in West Africa, if not the entire continent,” she said.

She made a heartfelt appeal to the Regional Heads to collaborate and promote peace before, during, and after the elections.