The Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture, and Religious Affairs has held a high-level consultative engagement with the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi, as part of efforts to strengthen the operational efficiency and constitutional mandate of Ghana’s traditional governance system.
Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the Committee,Hon Fred Kyei, who doubles as the MP for Offinso North noted that the engagement brought to the fore several systemic challenges affecting the effectiveness of the House.
These include long-standing logistical constraints, fiscal management concerns, and infrastructural deficits that continue to impede administrative efficiency.
A key highlight of the discussions was a presentation by the President of the House, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, who outlined pressing operational bottlenecks confronting the institution.
He emphasised that the House’s capacity to adjudicate chieftaincy matters and fulfil its constitutional responsibilities is being constrained by inadequate logistical support and funding delays.
Key Issues Raised.
Among the major concerns discussed were the need for improved infrastructure and logistics, particularly the five-year delay in fleet replacement and the acute shortage of administrative accommodation in the six newly created regions.
Members also deliberated on fiscal autonomy for the House, with proposals aimed at strengthening its independence as a constitutional body and reducing administrative bottlenecks associated with ministerial oversight.
Additionally, the Committee examined concerns surrounding the timely release of quarterly logistical allocations and monthly allowances, which stakeholders argue are critical for the efficient resolution of pending chieftaincy disputes across the country.
The Committee Chairperson, Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to addressing the identified challenges. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the National House of Chiefs is adequately resourced to perform its constitutional role without undue administrative hindrance.
The engagement forms part of broader parliamentary efforts under the Parliament of Ghana to strengthen traditional governance structures as key partners in national development, cultural preservation, and local dispute resolution.
The Committee is expected to compile its findings and recommendations for further legislative and policy consideration in the coming weeks.
