Government moves to restore chiefs’ powers to summon subjects

The government is taking steps to revitalise the Chieftaincy Act to restore the authority of traditional rulers to summon subjects who violate laws or engage in conduct that threatens peace in their communities.

Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, disclosed this at the 2026 Asogli Te Za in Ho on Saturday, October 3, as part of measures to strengthen traditional governance and address disputes 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.

Mr Ayariga also revealed that the government is working to validate and formalise 17 lines of succession to stools and skins, which will subsequently be submitted to Parliament for passage.

He said the initiative is intended to provide greater clarity on succession matters, reduce disputes and promote stability within traditional institutions.

The Minister explained that once the instruments are passed, they will help settle disagreements over eligibility to occupy particular stools and skins while also defining those with the authority to nominate, elect and select persons to occupy them.

He said the government was working to "validate and legalise lines of succession to bring clarity, reduce disputes, and ensure stability of our chieftaincy institutions."

According to Mr Ayariga, the Ministry is seeking to finalise "17 lines of succession to stools and skins for submission to parliament for passage."

He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with traditional and religious leaders to preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage while promoting peace and 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.

The Bawku Central legislator also pointed to steps taken by the government since assuming office to improve resources available to traditional authorities.

He said the support is intended to enable traditional leaders to convene meetings and help resolve chieftaincy-related conflicts, alongside efforts to construct and upgrade office complexes for Houses of Chiefs, particularly in the newly created regions.

Mr Ayariga said these interventions form part of broader efforts to strengthen the chieftaincy institution and enhance its role in maintaining peace and stability within communities.