The National House of Chiefs has expressed concern over inadequate logistical support and delays in the payment of allowances, warning that the challenges are affecting the effective discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
The concerns were raised when the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs paid a courtesy call on the House in Kumasi.
The President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, who is also Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anwiaso Traditional Area in the Western North Region, highlighted several operational difficulties facing the institution.
He noted that vehicles for the House are expected to be replaced every four years, but the last supply was made in 2019. He also pointed out that the six newly created regions lack adequate accommodation for House of Chiefs representatives.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II further revealed that financial support for logistics remains insufficient, citing a quarterly allocation of GH¢400 and a monthly allowance of GH¢3,000, which he said are not paid consistently.
During the engagement, concerns were also raised about the administrative arrangement placing the National House of Chiefs under a ministry, with suggestions that it should operate as an independent constitutional body as originally intended.
The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma Central, Hon. Dan Abdul-Latif, encouraged the House to formally present stronger proposals to Parliament to support its autonomy and strengthen its operational independence.
He argued that independence would help the institution function more effectively without dependency on ministerial allocations.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs, Dr Fred Kyei Asamoah, assured the House of Parliament of the committee’s commitment to addressing the challenges and supporting efforts to resolve long-standing issues affecting chieftaincy administration.
He added that the Committee remains ready to work with stakeholders to strengthen the chieftaincy institution and improve governance within the sector.
