President Mahama Pledges to Uphold Chieftaincy and Promote Inclusive National Development

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s respect for the chieftaincy institution, vowing never to politicize or undermine traditional authority structures.

Speaking at the Western Regional House of Chiefs on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, President Mahama assured chiefs that his government values traditional leadership and is committed to genuine consultation and inclusion in national development efforts.

“We will not impose political loyalists on traditional councils or interfere in chieftaincy disputes,” Mahama stated. “Our policy is rooted in respect, dialogue, and community involvement.”

He also outlined steps his government is taking to tackle illegal mining (galamsey), citing the recent deployment of 530 Blue Water Guards to help protect water bodies. The initiative is part of a broader anti-galamsey strategy that includes:

• The Responsible Cooperative Mining Skills Development Programme (COMSTEP) to provide alternative livelihoods

• Promotion of legalized community mining

  

• Empowerment of the Forestry Commission and Environmental Protection Agency to enforce environmental laws

• Creation of an Environmental Restoration Fund to reclaim degraded lands

On decentralization, President Mahama revealed that 80% of the District Assembly Common Fund is now allocated directly to the districts. He encouraged chiefs to take an active role in local governance and development.

He concluded with a call for national unity and renewal. “Ghana stands at a crossroads. The challenges ahead require unity of purpose. I am committed to building a fair, inclusive society with equal opportunity and shared prosperity for all,” he said.