The Eastern Regional House of Chiefs seated with Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey
The Eastern Regional House of Chiefs has called on the government to timely release funds owed to the institution and to review upwards the travel and transport allowances for chiefs, which have remained unchanged for decades.
The appeal was made by the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, Nene Sakite II, Konor (Paramount Chief) of Manya Krobo, during the rescheduled end-of-year meeting held at the Ofori Panyin Fie in Kyebi on Thursday, 6th February 2025.
The end-of-year meeting was rescheduled due to lack of funds.
In his welcome address, Nene Sakite II mentioned the critical role chiefs play in Ghana’s governance architecture, and in performing both customary and statutory functions despite logistical and financial challenges.
He noted that while the House of Chiefs had performed well in 2024, there was room for improvement, and timely release of funds from the government would enable the institution to function more effectively.
“Nananom have always sacrificed to sustain the institution, all in the interest of peace and development of the nation,” he said. “But for chiefs, the courts of Ghana would have been overwhelmed with cases. Our arbitration settles more matters in the communities than the traditional courts do”.
“In the bid to attain excellence, we call on central government to release funding for our activities timely Nananom have always sacrificed to sustain the institution, all in the interest of peace and development of the nation”, Said Nene Sakite II.
The President of the House of Chiefs lamented the meagre monthly traditional council grant of GHC 100.00 (or GH¢300.00 quarterly), which has remained unchanged for years. He also called for an upward review of travel and transport allowances, which were fixed decades ago and no longer reflect current economic realities.
“Our travel and transport allowances fixed decades ago have not seen any upward review since consultation on matters of national interest with government. It is very low and we shall look forward to better involvement in nation-building. Believe it or not, the traditional council grant is a mere GH¢100.00 a month or GHC 300.00 quarterly”.
Security challenges
The Regional House of Chiefs sided with concerns that Chieftaincy disputes continue to threaten the peace and stability of the country but partly blamed the situation on inadequate funds for Chieftaincy institutions to deal with security challenges.
“The truth is that we as an institution are not adequately resourced to quash security threats in our communities,” he stated. “This is a wake-up call for all stakeholders to sit up and avoid actions that could undermine peace and security.
Nene Sakite II expressed concern over the perceived relegation of the chieftaincy institution to the background, citing low consultation with chiefs on matters of national interest. He urged the government to involve chiefs more actively in nation-building efforts.
Stalled Project
Nene Sakite II expressed disappointment over the stalled renovation of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs’ secretariat, a project being undertaken by the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC).
He revealed that work had halted due to unpaid contractor certificates, despite assurances from GNPC.
He pledged to follow up with the newly constituted GNPC board to ensure the project’s completion
Politicization of Chieftaincy
The Eastern Regional House of Chiefs also criticized the increasing involvement of politicians in chieftaincy matters, describing it as a threat to the institution’s integrity. He called on politicians to respect the chieftaincy institution and allow it to function independently.
“Previously when we talk about stakeholders in chieftaincy, everyone can imagine who they are, the queenmother, the kingmakers, and the royals. Today unfortunately when we talk about stakeholders, it includes politicians which must cease. I urge politicians to stay off. The time-tested and sustained institution (chieftaincy) must be enhanced but not be disrespected by such elites”.
Eastern Regional Minister’s address
Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey joined the House of Chiefs to formally introduce herself to the chiefs ahead of a planned visit to their palaces.
She pledged to work very closely with traditional rulers to facilitate developments in the region.
“In my capacity as regional minister, I come to you today with a clear message: I need your guidance, cooperation and partnership. My administration is committed to working hand in hand with the traditional authorities in ensuring that we build a more prosperous, peaceful and cohesive region where our people can live a meaningful life,” said Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, Eastern Regional Minister.
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