Mahama Laments Surge in Chieftaincy and Ethnic Clashes, Calls It “A Major Headache” for Ghana
Mahama says rising chieftaincy, ethnic and land disputes are straining national security and threatening stability
- Chieftaincy, ethnic, and land disputes are increasing across Ghana
- National security forces are overstretched in conflict-prone areas
- Mahama urges the National Peace Council to intensify mediation efforts
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed deep worry over the escalating wave of chieftaincy, ethnic, and land-related conflicts across Ghana, describing the trend as a “major headache” for his government.
Speaking during a meeting with the National Peace Council at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, December 10, the President said the growing tensions are placing immense strain on national security agencies stationed in conflict-prone areas.
According to President Mahama, many of these conflicts are rooted in long-standing grievances over traditional leadership, ethnicity, and land ownership—issues that continue to threaten the country’s peace and stability.
“There is a proliferation of conflicts across our country. Rising intolerance, especially around chieftaincy disagreements, is putting significant pressure on our security services,” he said.
He added that prolonged security deployments in hotspots such as Sampa, Bawku, Nkwanta, and parts of the Savannah Region have stretched the country’s security forces to their limits.
“We have full contingents stationed in several of these areas and have not been able to withdraw them. These disputes—ethnic and land-related—have become a major headache for the government,” he noted.
President Mahama urged the National Peace Council to intensify its mediation efforts to help reduce tensions and restore calm in affected communities.
“That is why we rely on the Peace Council to fully carry out its mandate,” he appealed.
