President John Dramani Mahama has called on traditional authorities to help speed up the resolution of chieftaincy disputes, warning that such conflicts continue to hinder development in many parts of the country.
Speaking when the Bono Regional House of Chiefs paid a courtesy call on him in Accra on Wednesday, June 17, the President said the government remains committed to developing every part of Ghana but cannot do so effectively in areas plagued by insecurity and unresolved traditional leadership disputes.
According to him, unlike in the past when kingmakers struggled to find royals willing to occupy stools, there are now many eligible candidates competing for traditional positions, leading to growing disputes in some communities.
He stressed that the 1992 Constitution prevents government interference in chieftaincy matters, except where disputes threaten peace and security.
“The role of government is limited to maintaining law and order. Once peace is restored, the Judicial Committees of the chieftaincy institution must determine who rightfully occupies the stool,” he said.
President Mahama appealed to regional houses of chiefs to work towards the quick resolution of outstanding disputes, assuring them of continued government support to strengthen the adjudication process.
The President also used the meeting to highlight several development projects planned for the Bono Region under the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme.
He disclosed that the region has secured a significant share of road projects under the initiative, with additional roads expected to be included in the second phase beginning in 2027.
Mahama said work has already commenced on the Kumasi Expressway project, noting that more than 70 kilometres of the route have been cleared by the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces.
According to him, the completed road will significantly reduce travel time between Kumasi and parts of the Bono Region.
He further revealed that government is advancing plans to construct a regional airport in the Bono Region. Procurement processes are currently underway, and construction is expected to begin once a contractor is selected.
In the health sector, the President said the government is investing in hospitals and medical equipment across the country. He announced that the first batch of equipment has already been delivered to the Sunyani Teaching Hospital, with more expected in the coming months.
He also reaffirmed government’s commitment to establishing a medical school at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), describing the project as a work in progress.
On education, Mahama said infrastructure expansion in senior high schools will continue as government works towards ending the double-track system by the end of 2027.
He noted that funding from the World Bank will support the upgrading of several schools across the country through the construction of classrooms, dormitories and laboratories.
The President also highlighted ongoing agricultural initiatives in the Bono Region, including the poultry-focused Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme, the establishment of farmer service centres and investments in food storage facilities.
He said government has released GH¢200 million to the National Buffer Stock Company to purchase excess maize from farmers and is constructing additional storage facilities to preserve food supplies.
Mahama added that the Bono Region will benefit from modern markets under the 24-hour economy programme as well as mechanised farming support through the rollout of agricultural equipment expected to arrive later this year.
He also praised Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) for accelerating development projects following government’s decision to allocate 80 percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund directly to local assemblies.
According to him, the move has enabled districts to undertake more infrastructure and social development projects to improve living conditions in their communities.
