Mahama Elevates Chiefs as Key Governance Partners, Calls for Stronger Decentralisation
President John Mahama says traditional leaders are central to Ghana’s development agenda and must be fully integrated into governance, peacebuilding, and local development efforts.
- Mahama describes chiefs as strategic partners in governance, not ceremonial figures.
- He reaffirms decentralisation and citizen participation as pillars of his administration’s agenda.
- Calls for development to be evenly distributed across all regions and communities in Ghana.
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to decentralisation and inclusive governance, stressing that traditional leaders are key partners in national development rather than symbolic figures.
Speaking during an engagement with the Northern Regional House of Chiefs on Friday, May 15, at the Jubilee House, he said Ghana’s transformation agenda must be firmly rooted in communities through stronger citizen participation and local decision-making.
According to him, decentralisation, accountability, and public engagement remain central to his administration’s “reset agenda,” which seeks to redefine how the state collaborates with traditional authorities.
President Mahama welcomed proposals for a renewed partnership model between government and chiefs, describing it as both necessary and timely for effective governance and development delivery.
He emphasized that chiefs play vital roles in peacebuilding, social mobilisation, and community development, and therefore should be fully integrated into governance structures as strategic partners.
“This government does not see chiefs just as ceremonial figures to be consulted occasionally,” he stated. “We see traditional authorities as strategic partners in governance, peacebuilding, social mobilisation, and development.”
He also praised the chiefs for their patriotism and constructive engagement, assuring them of government’s continued openness to dialogue with traditional leaders across the country.
Mahama further stressed the need for balanced national development, noting that progress must extend beyond major cities to reach all regions, districts, and communities.
“Together, let us build a Ghana where development is not concentrated in a few urban centres, but reaches every region, every district, and every community,” he said.
He concluded by calling for stronger unity between government and traditional leadership to promote inclusive growth and ensure long-term national prosperity.
