Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of Ghana’s National House of Chiefs, has condemned the country’s deteriorating road infrastructure and political inaction following a fatal crash that killed 16 youths on the Accra-Kumasi highway.
The traditional ruler linked poor roads to escalating national security challenges, urging immediate state intervention to curb rising road fatalities. “We are not happy at all.
Politicians make empty promises during elections but fail to deliver,” Gyebi stated, highlighting Ghana’s 68-year independence without a reliable Accra-Bolgatanga road. He revealed avoiding the Kumasi-Accra route for 18 months due to safety fears, despite the financial burden of air travel.
Simultaneously, Gyebi demanded the arrest of politicians and fellow chiefs complicit in illegal mining (galamsey), blaming them for environmental devastation and water pollution.
“Reports consistently point to influential figures behind these activities,” he asserted, calling for cross-governmental unity to end the crisis. His remarks came during a Friday meeting with National Security Coordinator COP Abdul-Razak Osman, who disclosed alarming security threats: 503 active chieftaincy, ethnic, and land disputes nationwide, with 130 posing “existential” risks.
Osman cited Bawku’s violence—now under curfew—as emblematic, alongside environmental degradation and festival-related firearm misuse.
The dialogue, themed “Upholding the dignity of our traditions, the safety of our people and the peace of our country,” aimed to forge collaborative solutions between traditional and security leaders amid mounting crises.
