The Bate Fia of the Srogboe Traditional Area in the Volta Region, Togbi Atsiblaglo II, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama through the Attorney-General over concerns surrounding the categorisation of chiefs in Ghana.
In the petition, Togbi Atsiblaglo II questioned the criteria and procedures used in classifying traditional authorities, arguing that the current framework fails to reflect historical realities, customary hierarchies, and the unique development of certain traditional areas.
According to the Srogboe chief, the existing system has created inconsistencies and perceptions of marginalisation over the years, undermining the dignity of affected stools and skins. He noted that such disparities weaken the authority of the chieftaincy institution, which remains a key pillar of Ghana’s governance and cultural heritage.
The petition, submitted through the Office of the Attorney-General, calls for a comprehensive review of the categorisation system to promote fairness, equity, and strict adherence to customary law.
Togbi Atsiblaglo II urged government to engage traditional councils, historians, and legal experts in any reform process to prevent outcomes that conflict with established traditions.
He stressed that the status and role of chiefs should not be determined purely by administrative convenience but must be grounded in historical precedence, territorial jurisdiction, and customary legitimacy recognised by their people.
Chieftaincy in Ghana is constitutionally protected, with the 1992 Constitution mandating the state to respect and uphold traditional authority while avoiding undue interference. Despite this, disputes over recognition, hierarchy, and categorisation have persisted, sometimes leading to legal battles and tensions within and among traditional areas.
Observers say the petition adds to ongoing national discussions on chieftaincy reforms and the need to modernise traditional governance structures without eroding their cultural foundations.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Office of the President nor the Attorney-General had issued an official response. However, stakeholders in the traditional leadership space are closely monitoring the situation amid expectations that the petition could trigger broader consultations on chieftaincy classification across the country.
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