The President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, has raised alarm over the rising number of unresolved chieftaincy disputes in the region, revealing that 69 such cases remain pending.
Speaking at a regional traditional council meeting in Ho, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV described the situation as “alarming” and a major obstacle to peace and development in the Volta Region.
He attributed the growing number of disputes to prolonged litigation, poor succession planning, and external interference in traditional affairs.
“Sixty-nine chieftaincy disputes are still unresolved in the Volta Region. This is a very worrying trend that threatens the stability of our communities,” he lamented. “As traditional leaders, we must reflect on the root causes and find amicable, culturally acceptable ways to resolve them.”
The traditional leader called on the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, as well as the National House of Chiefs, to expedite the adjudication process. According to him, delays often result in tension, conflict, and in some cases, violence in the affected communities.
Togbe Tepre Hodo IV further urged fellow chiefs and stakeholders to uphold the sanctity of the chieftaincy institution by avoiding actions that could lead to division or litigation. “We must rise above personal interests and serve our people in unity. Traditional leadership should not be about power struggles but about service, peace, and progress,” he stressed.
Concerns Over Drug Abuse and Marijuana Cultivation
In addition to the chieftaincy concerns, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV also expressed worry about the increasing cultivation of marijuana in the region. He called on the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, to take drastic steps to combat the trend.
He also highlighted the growing abuse of drugs among the youth, particularly substances like ‘red’ and tramadol, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the future of the region if left unchecked.
Calls for Immigration Post Removal and Development Collaboration
Togbe Tepre Hodo IV further appealed to the Regional Minister to remove inland immigration posts at Asikuma, Juapong, and Sogakope, which he said have become unnecessary obstacles.
He also urged closer collaboration between the Regional Minister, the Volta caucus in Parliament, and traditional leaders to accelerate development in the region.
Regional Minister Responds with Assurances and Development Updates
In response, Volta Regional Minister Hon. James Gunu described the opportunity to address the House as an honour, acknowledging the traditional leaders as the “true custodians of culture, values, and history.”
He pledged the commitment of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council to work in close partnership with chiefs for the region’s development.
“The amalgamation of the Ministry of Local Government with the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs is not just a move to reduce ministerial portfolios but to strengthen collaboration for accelerated development and restore the lost glory of our traditional authorities,” he noted.
Highlighting Ongoing Development Projects
Mr. Gunu outlined various projects initiated since the NDC assumed power in 2024, including:
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Ongoing construction on the Eastern Corridor Road
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Rehabilitation of key feeder roads
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Modernization of the Aflao Market Complex to boost trade and regional integration
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Phase 2 of the Blekusu Tidal Waves Project, with sod-cutting set for Saturday
In agriculture, he revealed that the Volta Region is central to the government’s new Kenaf-Malaysia partnership, which seeks to introduce large-scale kenaf production to create jobs and boost agro-processing.
He also emphasized the 2025 Budget’s commitment to transforming local economies under the 24-Hour Economy Policy, with benefits such as:
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New agro-processing facilities
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Extended public service hours
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Energy support for SMEs and industrial parks
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The upcoming Volta Trade Fair, which will operate 24 hours on selected days
Land has also been secured at Adaklu for an industrial park, with more land acquisitions expected across the region to replicate the model.
Tourism Development
The Regional Minister highlighted plans to upgrade tourist and heritage sites across the region to attract visitors and investment while showcasing the region’s unique culture and identity.
Need for Peaceful Traditional Leadership
Mr. Gunu, however, emphasized that all development efforts hinge on one critical condition—peaceful and united traditional leadership.
“It is deeply troubling that our region continues to record a high number of chieftaincy disputes. These disputes, often prolonged in courtrooms and unresolved for years, slow down development and erode community trust and harmony,” he said.
He appealed to the Judicial Committee of the Regional House of Chiefs to fast-track dispute resolution, adding that the government is ready to support with logistics, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and neutral facilitation.
“Let Us Build a Volta Region Where Tradition Powers Transformation”
In his concluding remarks, Hon. James Gunu said, “Let us remind ourselves that we share a common mission: to build a Volta Region where tradition powers transformation. With collaboration, unity, and respect for both modern governance and cultural leadership, we can secure lasting prosperity for our people.”
Source: Odehyeba Owusu Job
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