The National Security Adviser, Prosper Douglas Bani, has expressed grave concern over the high incidence of chieftaincy disputes in the Volta Region, saying the trend poses a serious threat to security and development in the region.

He said the disputes are also undermining the noble status of the chieftaincy institution.

Mr Bani was speaking at the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop for members of the judicial committee of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs (VRHC) in Ho last Thursday.

The workshop organised by the VRHC in collaboration with the Volta Regional Coordinating Council was on the theme: “Strengthening Customary Justice – Building Capacity to Reduce Chieftaincy Disputes in the Volta Region.”

Mr Bani said it was worrying that there were now as many as 69 cases of chieftaincy disputes before the VRHC, and wondered if the house would have ample time for other duties.

The National Security Adviser stated that strengthening customary justice was not only a cultural necessity but also a development imperative.

He said this is because customary justice is often the first point of contact for ordinary citizens seeking resolution to disputes in connection with land, marriage, inheritance and community matters.

“Unlike the formal court system, chiefs and traditional councils are closer to the people, quicker in response, and grounded in cultural values that people understand and trust,” Mr Bani told the house.

He, therefore, urged the VRHC to take a firm stance to stem such disputes in the region, to open the way for smooth and rapid development.

Touching on the theme, Mr Bani said it was timely and relevant as the region was witnessing a soaring number of chieftaincy disputes.

He reminded the house that chieftaincy was not only about tradition and ceremony, but also about leadership, justice and the preservation of peace for generations yet unborn.

Mr Bani said issues of multiple claims to stools or skins from unclear lines of succession, poor documentation of land ownership, and weak record-keeping were terrible challenges which must be confronted with wisdom, courage and innovation.

“When chieftaincy disputes are minimised, communities flourish and investors gain confidence to do business.”

“Farmers cultivate their lands in peace, children go to school without fear and development projects can proceed without disruption,” he said.

Prompt attention

The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ibrahim Ahmed, said when chieftaincy disputes were addressed promptly and fairly, communities were spared needless conflicts, lives and properties were protected, and development was given space to thrive.

He gave an assurance that the sector ministry was committed to supporting initiatives that strengthened the chieftaincy institution and safeguarded the integrity of the nation’s cultural heritage.

“The government recognises the pivotal role of traditional leadership in nation building, and we shall continue to provide the necessary policy and institutional support to ensure its sustainability,” Mr Ahmed reaffirmed.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, said chiefs also held the power to promote reconciliation, in addition to settling disputes.

He said when communities saw leaders rising above division to protect the truth and fairness, confidence was restored among the people.

The President of VRHC, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, said the large number of chieftaincy disputes before the house’s judicial committee was not only time-consuming, but also inimical to the progress of the house, and for that matter the region.