Traditional leaders in the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area of the Ellembelle District have called for immediate government intervention, warning that political interference and growing confrontations are threatening peace, security and development.
Nana Morkeh Kpanyinli IV, Chief of Ngalekyi, Nana Kwamina Bentum II, Divisional Chief of Salman, and Nana Nwia Etease VI, Chief of Baku and Head of the Gyaase, led stakeholders at a news conference at Melody Hotel in Takoradi on Friday, November 6, 2026.
In an open appeal to the Government of Ghana, the group raised concerns about what it described as repeated interference in traditional affairs, the disregard of recognised authorities and the alleged use of political influence and state institutions to support rival chieftaincy claims.
The chiefs said the situation was fuelling fear, suspicion and tension among residents, with the potential to damage peaceful relations and hold back development across the traditional area.
They said chieftaincy should not be turned into a political contest, arguing that claims to traditional authority must be settled through recognised customary practices and established legal procedures.
The group also expressed concern about individuals allegedly presenting themselves as paramount chiefs without having conclusively established their status, while using political connections and institutional influence to assert authority over traditional jurisdictions.
It said political affiliation, financial resources and access to state power must not be used to impose traditional leaders or weaken legitimately constituted authorities.
The chiefs called on government officials and political actors to remain neutral and avoid actions that could intensify divisions. They said public office should be used to protect peace and uphold the rule of law, rather than advance the interests of individuals or competing factions.
They urged the government to ensure political neutrality, protect legitimate traditional processes, demand accountability, improve community security and support impartial mediation.
The group said it was particularly concerned by reports of physical confrontations, including alleged stabbings involving dangerous weapons, as well as the destruction of property, including a traditional palace.
It called on the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to investigate the reported incidents, protect residents and prosecute anyone found responsible in accordance with the law. Security personnel were also warned not to take sides, but to protect lives and property and maintain public order.
The chiefs requested investigations into alleged misconduct by public officials and security officers linked to the disputes, saying any established wrongdoing should result in appropriate disciplinary or legal action.
They also appealed to the Regional and National Houses of Chiefs to act within their constitutional and statutory mandates to protect the integrity of chieftaincy. Disputes, they said, should be resolved through customary and legal processes, rather than self-appointment, intimidation or political influence.
Political leaders across party lines were urged to show restraint and avoid using traditional disputes for political advantage.
The group said residents of Ellembelle and Eastern Nzema needed peace to support better roads, schools, healthcare, employment and investment. It warned that ordinary people would suffer most if the tensions developed into sustained violence.
“Eastern Nzema deserves peace. Ellembelle deserves development. Ghana deserves responsible leadership,” the statement declared.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
