The Savannah Regional House of Chiefs has inducted new members into its fold, using the occasion to reaffirm the central role of traditional authority in governance, peacebuilding, and development across the region.
The ceremony which took place during the first general Meeting of the House for 2026, held on Thursday, February 5, at the Jakpa Palace Conference Hall in Damongo, bringing together Paramount Chiefs and other distinguished traditional leaders.
Chaired by the Paramount Chief of the Kpembe Traditional Area and Vice President of the House, Kpembewura Bambange Ndefoso IV, the meeting also featured an address delivered on behalf of the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom and President of the House, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I.
In his address, the Yagbonwura underscored the importance of strong traditional institutions, describing the absence of a permanent office complex for the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs as a major impediment to effective customary administration.
As an interim measure, he directed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives in the region to contribute towards the construction of the facility.
He praised recent national policy initiatives that he said could strengthen livelihoods and promote inclusive development, but stressed that traditional leadership must continue to advocate for the basic needs of communities.
He singled out persistent water shortages in the Damongo township, the regional capital and used the opportunity to appeall for urgent intervention to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply.
Touching on peace and stability, the Yagbonwura reaffirmed the historic responsibility of Chiefs as custodians of harmony, noting that peace remains the bedrock upon which development is built.
He expressed concern over recurring succession disputes in parts of northern Ghana and called for the codification of customs and inheritance practices in line with the Constitution to prevent protracted conflicts.
He also urged traditional councils to reform harmful customary practices, citing legal provisions that empower the chieftaincy institution to align tradition with dignity, justice and human rights.
As part of the proceedings, five Paramount Chiefs and one Divisional Chief were formally sworn into the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs by the Supervising High Court Judge of the Savannah Region, Justice Mark Diboro.
They are Damongowura Seidu Kelly Boresa I, Kpansheguwura F. A. Adams Borewunche I, Kulibuwura Osman Keli IV, Jantongwura Mahama Kebase I, Tuluwewura Purgi Budon I and Nnaa Solomon Dompeeh Antwi, Jugboi Koro.
Congratulating the new members, the Yagbonwura charged them to uphold the dignity of the stool and skin, remain non-partisan and govern in accordance with established royal ethics.
Justice Diboro, in his remarks, reminded the Chiefs that oath-taking carried profound moral and legal weight, urging them to exercise authority with restraint and respect for the rights of their people.
He called for mutual respect between rulers and subjects, stressing that peaceful coexistence remains essential to the survival of traditional governance.
The Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Salisu Beawuribe assured the House of government’s continued collaboration with traditional authorities, pledging to engage the Ministry responsible for chieftaincy affairs to expedite completion of the office complex.
He further reaffirmed the Regional Coordinating Council’s readiness to support Chiefs in lawful matters and cautioned traditional councils against exceeding their legal mandate, particularly in criminal cases, and urged fairness and transparency in land administration.
He also warned that acts of violence would draw firm responses from security agencies.
The gathering,rich in symbolism and ceremony highlighted the enduring relevance of Ghana’s chieftaincy institution in promoting unity, justice and community development across the Savannah Region.
Source: nkilgifm.com
