Gonja Overlord urges gov’t to codify chieftaincy customs to prevent succession disputes

The Overlord of Gonja, Yagbonwura Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, has urged the government, in collaboration with the National House of Chiefs, to strengthen efforts towards codifying customs, traditions, and practices governing chieftaincy successions in Ghana.

He noted that establishing clear guidelines would promote fairness, minimise disputes, and help preserve the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

Represented by Yapeiwura Dr Adam Baba Tanko Zakaria at the Grand Durbar of the 2025 Odwira Festival, held on 24 October at the forecourt of the Okuapemhene’s Palace in the Akuapem North Municipality, the Yagbonwura expressed concern about the growing number of succession-related conflicts, which he said threaten national peace and cohesion.

He stressed that stability and visionary leadership are vital for development and encouraged traditional authorities across the country to adopt the Gonja model of succession as a means of ensuring smooth and peaceful transitions of power.

For his part, Okuapemhene Odehyie Kwasi Akufo III, addressing the festival under the theme “Preserving Our Heritage, Protecting Our Future,” highlighted the need for unity and collective responsibility in sustaining the nation’s cultural identity.

He further urged stakeholders to take firm steps to combat illegal mining, cautioning that its destructive impact poses a grave danger to Ghana’s cultural heritage and natural environment.

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