Mahama Urges Stronger Collaboration with Chiefs to Address Land Disputes
John Mahama calls for coordinated efforts with traditional leaders to address rising land and chieftaincy disputes.
- Mahama links conflicts to land and chieftaincy disputes
- Calls for stronger collaboration with chiefs
- Outlines plans on economy, health, and education
President John Mahama has called for closer cooperation between government and traditional authorities to tackle rising conflicts linked to chieftaincy and land disputes across Ghana.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, the President highlighted security concerns tied to unresolved land boundaries and chieftaincy issues, describing them as major contributors to instability in parts of the country.
He noted that while government recognises the seriousness of the problem, its role in resolving such disputes is limited by the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits state interference in chieftaincy matters. According to him, these issues must primarily be handled by traditional authorities, with government stepping in only when law and order break down.
Despite these constraints, President Mahama emphasised the need for stronger collaboration with bodies such as the National House of Chiefs and regional houses of chiefs to help prevent and manage conflicts.
On the economy, the President indicated that Ghana is nearing the end of its programme with the International Monetary Fund, with a final review expected soon. He added that government intends to maintain fiscal discipline even after exiting the programme to sustain macroeconomic stability.
Touching on infrastructure, he announced plans to expand healthcare services in newly created regions, revealing that construction of some regional hospitals will begin this year, with additional projects scheduled for next year.
He also addressed delays in the Eastern Regional Hospital project, assuring that work will resume as efforts are made to settle outstanding payments to the contractor.
In the education sector, President Mahama disclosed plans to accelerate the establishment of a new university in Bonsu, aimed at increasing access to tertiary education. The proposed University of Engineering, Science and Agriculture is expected to create more opportunities for young people seeking higher education.
