The government is exploring additional funding for the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs to strengthen their capacity to resolve chieftaincy disputes and prevent prolonged conflicts from escalating into national security concerns.
Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister Mahama Ayariga disclosed this at the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, October 5.
Mr Ayariga said President John Dramani Mahama had directed him and the Finance Minister to identify additional resources to support the traditional institutions.
He said the proposed funding could include support through local government financing arrangements to enable the Houses of Chiefs to deal with chieftaincy disputes more expeditiously.
“The President has directed me and the Finance Minister to explore ways to increase funding allocation to the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs to enhance their capacity to dispose of Chieftaincy disputes expeditiously,” Mr Ayariga said.
According to the Minister, government also intends to consider incorporating support for the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs into the Common Fund formula.
He explained that strengthening the capacity of the traditional institutions was important because traditional authorities played a significant role in the effective administration of many Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
Mr Ayariga stressed that faster resolution of chieftaincy disputes would help prevent such conflicts from lingering and potentially developing into broader security challenges.
