SONA 2025: Chieftaincy as a growing source of insecurity

In his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Friday (3 January), President Nana Akufo-Addo emphasised that chieftaincy disputes continue to pose a significant threat to Ghana’s stability. 

While acknowledging the strides his government has made in resolving some of the nation’s most entrenched chieftaincy conflicts, he stressed that the issue remains a pressing concern.

One of the government’s key achievements, according to Akufo-Addo, was resolving the long-standing Dagbon chieftaincy conflict. 

The President credited the successful peace efforts to collaboration with the Committee of Eminent Chiefs, including influential figures such as Otumfuo Asantehene, the Nayiri, and the Yagbonwura.

He described the peace agreement as “one of the high-water marks” of his presidency.

However, despite these successes, Akufo-Addo was candid about the ongoing challenges.

He noted with regret the unresolved Bawku chieftaincy conflict, describing it as a source of “great distress” that dampens optimism about the resolution of similar issues elsewhere in the country.

“The sad situation in Bawku must necessarily dampen any enthusiasm about the resolution of chieftaincy problems elsewhere,” said the president. 

“It is a matter of great regret and distress to me personally that, in spite of our best efforts, the Bawku conflict remains unresolved.”

The President also pointed out that Bawku is not an isolated case. “I will have to mark chieftaincy as a growing source of insecurity that will continue to require a lot of attention,” he warned, referencing other parts of the country where disputes are escalating.

To address the persistent challenges, Akufo-Addo called for stronger institutional support. 

He stressed the need to empower the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the National Peace Council, both of which play vital roles in managing and resolving chieftaincy and other disputes.

“It is clear that part of that process is the need to strengthen the capacities of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the Peace Council, the two frontline institutions responsible for dealing with chieftaincy and other disputes,” the president concluded.

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