The President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has announced plans by the government to document chieftaincy succession processes in the Upper West Region as part of efforts to reduce traditional disputes and strengthen peace within communities. He explained that clearly defining royal families, succession gates and rotational arrangements would bring certainty to the selection of chiefs and prevent disagreements over rightful successors.
President Mahama made the remarks on Wednesday, July 8, when members of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs paid a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House. During the engagement, he commended traditional leaders in the region for their continued role in maintaining peace, particularly at a time when parts of the Sahel continue to experience instability.
The President highlighted the importance of peace as a foundation for national development and praised the Upper West Region for maintaining stability among its communities. He noted that the efforts of traditional authorities have contributed significantly to preserving harmony and strengthening social cooperation.
“Peace remains the foundation of prosperity, and I commend the Regional House of Chiefs for its role in keeping the Upper West as one of Ghana’s most peaceful regions amid the instability in the wider Sahel area.”
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
Building on the role of traditional institutions, President Mahama stressed that succession arrangements must be clearly defined to protect the credibility of chieftaincy systems. He emphasised that uncertainty in identifying rightful successors has, in some instances, created disagreements that affect communities and delay the smooth transition of traditional leadership.
According to the President, documenting succession structures would provide a recognised framework for determining eligible royal families and the order through which leadership should pass. He added that the process would support traditional authorities in resolving disputes before they develop into prolonged conflicts.
“Nowadays, the kingmakers have become corrupt. And so, even though they know who is the rightful person, a big envelope can change their minds. If we codify the families and the various gates and the rotational succession, we should have more peace in this country than we have seen lately.”
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
The President also indicated that financial influence in some traditional selection processes could result in individuals without legitimate ties to royal families being presented for installation. He explained that such practices weaken confidence in traditional governance and create tensions within affected communities.
In light of this, His Excellency reiterated that codifying succession systems would provide greater transparency and promote stability among traditional areas. He expressed confidence that the initiative would contribute to stronger cooperation between traditional leaders and the communities they serve.
Development Partnership Key To Upper West Transformation
The President also outlined a development strategy aimed at positioning the Upper West Region for greater economic growth through investment, collaboration and stronger community participation. He disclosed that the transformation of the region requires a collective effort involving government institutions, traditional authorities, businesses and citizens.
Turning attention to local governance, the President encouraged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to deepen engagement with traditional leaders on development projects within their areas. He explained that such interactions would allow chiefs to understand how resources from the District Assemblies Common Fund are being utilised while providing communities with an opportunity to identify their most pressing needs.
The President indicated that stronger collaboration between local authorities and traditional institutions would improve transparency and strengthen public confidence in government projects. Additionally, he emphasised that community involvement remains important in ensuring that development programmes address actual needs.
“Our Chief Executives and Municipal Chief Executives should brief them on how the District Assembly’s Common Fund is being utilized and also take suggestions from them on the things that are actually the felt needs of the people.”
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
Beyond local administration, President Mahama revealed agriculture and industrialisation as major areas that would support the region’s economic advancement. He added that government would continue creating opportunities for businesses, young people and women to participate actively in economic activities.
Additionally, the President called on private sector firms to take advantage of opportunities created through government policies while encouraging young people to pursue entrepreneurship and innovation. He also highlighted the importance of supporting women with access to finance, markets and leadership opportunities.
Within this vision, President Mahama emphasised the continued role of traditional authorities as custodians of peace, unity and moral leadership. He noted that their partnership would remain essential as government works towards expanding development opportunities across communities.
Looking ahead, the President described the Upper West Region as an area with significant potential because of its strategic location and hardworking population. He assured the traditional leaders that government would continue investing in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare and initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for citizens.
The President also acknowledged concerns raised by the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs regarding the administration block of the Regional House of Chiefs. Recalling his previous visit to the facility during the campaign period, he assured the traditional leaders that government would continue working with them to address development priorities.
Subsequently, President Mahama reaffirmed that the region’s challenge has not been a lack of determination or resilience among its people. He stated that government’s commitment is to provide the necessary investment and partnerships required to unlock the region’s potential while ensuring development reaches every community.
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