Nana Otuo Siriboe II, standing member of the National House of Chiefs, has raised concerns over inadequate funding, saying the situation is affecting its ability to effectively arbitrate chieftaincy disputes across the country.
Addressing the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs on Thursday, May 14, in Kumasi, Nana Otuo Siriboe II said the institution, which was established under the Constitution and is expected to be funded through the Consolidated Fund, continues to face serious financial constraints.
According to him, the lack of adequate resources has created barriers for individuals seeking justice through the National House of Chiefs, particularly in resolving chieftaincy disputes.
“The institution which is supposed to be funded by the Consolidated Fund is being starved of funds to the point where it becomes inimical,” he said.
He urged the committee to critically examine the situation, noting that people involved in disputes in various constituencies often turn to the House of Chiefs for redress but are confronted with high costs.
Nana Otuo Siriboe II questioned whether litigants at the High Court face similar financial burdens, suggesting disparities in access to justice between the traditional and formal judicial systems.
The Juaben chief also expressed concern over delays in the release of funds allocated to the institution.
He further advocated stronger collaboration between the Attorney-General’s Department and the National House of Chiefs through the secondment of legal personnel to serve as consultants and advisors.
Emphasising the importance of the chieftaincy institution, Nana Otuo Siriboe II said chiefs remain custodians of Ghanaian culture and tradition.
