The government is seeking to revive the Chieftaincy Act so chiefs can once again summon people who violate the law or disrupt peace in their communities, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga has said.
Mr Ayariga also announced that 17 lines of succession to stools and skins are being finalised for presentation to Parliament. He said the move would provide greater clarity over traditional leadership and help reduce disputes within the chieftaincy institution.
The minister made the announcement at the 2026 Asogli Te Za in Ho on Saturday, October 3. He said both measures formed part of efforts to strengthen traditional governance and promote stability.
“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 said.
Mr Ayariga added that work was underway to “validate and legalise lines of succession to bring clarity, reduce disputes, and ensure stability of our chieftaincy institutions.”
He said the government was working to complete “17 lines of succession to stools and skins for submission to parliament for passage.”
Once approved, the instruments are expected to reduce disagreements over who qualifies to occupy particular stools and skins. They will also set out which individuals or groups have the authority to nominate, elect and select occupants.
The Bawku Central legislator said the Ministry remained committed to working with the chieftaincy institution to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen 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,” Mr Ayariga said.
He also outlined measures taken by the government since it assumed office to improve support for traditional authorities. The aim, he said, was to give them the resources needed to hold meetings and help settle chieftaincy disputes.
Those measures include the construction and upgrading of office complexes for Houses of Chiefs, particularly in the newly created regions.