The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mahamudu Bawumia, has committed to reinstating authority to the chiefs of Ghana, vowing to implement extensive reforms that would enable traditional leaders to play a more significant role in governance if he is elected in the forthcoming general election.
During his tour of the Oti region on Saturday, 26 October, Bawumia addressed the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, religious leaders, and NPP supporters in Krachi East, advocating for a revision of the Chieftaincy Act.
He contended that the current constitution of Ghana fails to adequately include chiefs in governance, asserting that their participation is essential for the effective management of local matters.
Under my government, I will amend the chieftaincy act to empower chiefs to enforce discipline effectively and help govern the country by settling cases that are supposed to be settled at their level without going to court.
So I am proposing an amendment of Section 63D of the Chieftaincy Act, and this is what my manifesto committee recommends: that we amend Section 63D of the Chieftaincy Act and give more power back to the chiefs.
Bawumia’s suggested modifications to Section 63D of the Chieftaincy Act are intended to alleviate the backlog in the judicial system, allowing chiefs to promptly manage and settle disputes within their communities.
He recognized that societal discipline has waned, which he attributes to the weakened authority of traditional leaders. By reinstating these powers, he contends that local stability will be fostered, ultimately serving the interests of the nation as a whole.
Furthermore, the vice president pledged to create a sustainable financial framework to provide paramount and divisional chiefs, along with queen mothers, with living wages and sufficient resources.
We have given them responsibilities and we need to resource them to effectively work to build the country and their communities.
Bawumia’s proposals received a warm reception from chiefs and queen mothers, who conveyed their gratitude for his dedication to enhancing the role of traditional leaders.
They praised the flagbearer for his commitment and extended their best wishes for his aspirations to become the next president of Ghana.
