The National House of Chiefs (NHC) has called on Parliament to uphold the independence of the Chieftaincy Institution, as provided for in the Constitution.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi, President of the National House of Chiefs made the request during a meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs at the NHC office in Kumasi.
He revealed several challenges confronting the institution and urged lawmakers to support efforts to strengthen it.
He admitted that Parliamentarians have a big role to play in helping the Chieftaincy Institution and their constituents.
Dr Fred Kyei, Committee Chairman and MP for Offinso North and Vice Chairman and MP for Ahafo Ano South West, Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah said the meeting was aimed at gathering input to inform policies that guide the work of chiefs and the operations of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs.
According to them, they were in the house to listen and contribute to both the Minority and Majority sides, to help them achieve their mandate as demanded by the Constitution of Ghana.
They reiterated that the committee appreciates the good work Chiefs are doing and were there to listen and ascertain the difficulties they face.
Nana Effa Akenten, Bompatahene, also outlined some of the challenges facing the institution as financial constraints in settling litigations and funding travel to meetings, chieftaincy conflicts that threaten national security, weak institutional structures, poor staffing and the absence of registrars in many traditional councils.
He proposed that the Chieftaincy Institution be moved from the Ministry of Local Government and placed under the Presidency.
According to him, the Chieftaincy Institution is an independent body and questioned why it should be placed under a ministry that depends on the President’s discretion.
He said the constitution gives it the power to stand alone, and that would reduce the challenges it faces.
Odeefuo Amoakwa Buadu, Breman Asikumahene argued that chiefs have been side-lined in the governance structure of the country. He said they are being relegated to the background.
He noted that it is time for a new era that brings chieftaincy to the limelight, stressing the need to invest in chieftaincy matters.
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