President John Dramani Mahama met with the heads of security services, clergy and traditional leaders as part of efforts to address pressing national issues, including security, chieftaincy disputes and the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
Speaking during a meeting with the security chiefs ahead of his visit to Bawku, the President commended the agencies for their role in ensuring peace during the last election, which he described as cementing Ghana’s reputation as a leading democracy in Africa.
“I want to thank you so much. This last election has cemented our reputation as a leading democracy in Africa. A good part of the thanks go to you, the security agencies, for maintaining the peace,” President Mahama said.
However, he cautioned against complacency, citing threats from both internal and external sources.
Internally, he pointed to challenges such as chieftaincy disputes and armed robbery, while external threats stem from border-related concerns.
“We cannot let our vigilance down. There should not be a vacuum. We should all continue to work zealously to make sure that we don’t breach the peace in the country. I expect you to work closely, like you have been doing, to continue keeping the peace,” he said.
In response, Chief of Defence Staff Thomas Oppong Preprah assured the President of the security agencies’ unwavering loyalty, professionalism and commitment.
“We have been working together as a team to address complex challenges in the security environment… I want to assure you that we will continue with even greater zeal to maintain the security and stability of this country,” he stated.
Earlier in the day, the President held discussions with the Catholic Bishops Conference, where he addressed the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
While acknowledging the importance of preserving Ghana’s cultural and moral values, Mr. Mahama suggested that the bill would have a higher chance of success with government sponsorship.
“For the bill to have broader legitimacy and a higher chance of success, it should ideally come with government backing,” he said.
However, he emphasised his preference for promoting family values through education rather than prioritising legislation.
“Ghana’s cultural and moral values could be better preserved through a curriculum that instils family values in the younger generation,” Mahama remarked.
The President also engaged the National House of Chiefs, focusing on chieftaincy disputes, which he identified as a significant challenge to national security.
He cited instances where rival claims to traditional stools have escalated into conflicts requiring government intervention.
“Chieftaincy has become a challenge to the national security architecture. Anytime a chief passes away and a new chief has to be selected, invariably two or three rival chiefs suddenly appear, claiming legitimacy,” President Mahama said.
Mamponghene Osei Bonsu II acknowledged the critical nature of the discussions and expressed concerns over structural changes to the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
He called for clarity on the constitutional standing of chiefs and improvements in staffing for the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs.
“It is His Excellency the President who ought to provide staffing for the National House of Chiefs and Regional Houses of Chiefs to work properly,” Osei Bonsu II said, urging a return to constitutional provisions for appointing staff.
The President echoed the need for strengthened collaboration between government and traditional authorities, constitutional reforms, and better governance structures to address these challenges.
The meetings form part of the President’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, underscore his administration’s commitment to peace, stability and inclusive governance.
