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Eastern Regional Minister urges House of Chiefs to amicably solve disputes
The Eastern Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong has raised concern about the increasing threat to security and public safety posed by chieftaincy disputes in some parts of the region.
According to him, the hydra-headed problem of chieftaincy disputes continued to be a threat to peace and security in the region, adding that the disputes arose mostly from disagreement over traditional boundaries, property and the right to stool occupancy.
“Indeed, it is not within the purview of the REGSEC to adjudicate these disputes as they are to be resolved by the traditional authorities themselves,” he said and appealed to the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs to step up their efforts in resolving the disputes to pave way for development in the communities in the region.
Mr Seth Acheampong made these statements yesterday during the end of year general meeting organised for this year by the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs in Koforidua.
The meeting was purposed to enable the chiefs take stock of the activities of the House during the past year and to plan for the coming year.
Mr Seth Acheampong indicate that the REGSEC has, on a number of times, been compelled to take certain decisions to avert breach of peace in some parts of the region in accordance with the provisions of the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020, (Act 1030).
“I humbly plead with Nananom to bear with the security when such situations arise. It is in the interest of peace,” he said.
He stated that he was aware the House was doing it best to solve the disputes and called on them to continue to support the REGSEC to ensure peace and security in all the traditional areas in the region.
Speaking on capacity building, the Eastern Regional Minister said for the chiefs to be able to perform their function in contemporary times, there was the need to build their capacity to catch up with the complexities in today’s traditional governance.
“It is however important to note that there is a paradigm shift in the functions performed by traditional leaders in contemporary times as they have to tackle poverty, illiteracy, crime, injustice, and environmental degradation among others.”
He said for that reason it has become imperative for traditional leaders to be trained in traditional leadership issues, land administration, conflict management, records and documentation management.
He added that their training could be effective and become useful if they were carried out regularly and extended to cover sub-chiefs and other staff of Traditional Council who play key roles in traditional governance.
For his part, the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, Nene Sakite II appealed to community members to unite behind their traditional rulers to enable various traditional areas to continue to witness massive development in the years to come.
He stated that development must go hand in hand with peace and unity, adding that chieftaincy institution was the security bedrock of the country, hence the need for parliament to give chiefs back their powers to operate efficiently to maintain peace, security and development
He revealed that the House has been able to dispose off eight chieftaincy cases and would do its best to solve the remaining cases.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Firefighters from the Upper West Regional Command have responded to a vehicular incident involving a long vehicle carrying 35 Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC totes) reportedly containing hydrogen peroxide at Goriyiri in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
The five-member crew, led by ASTNO Balagee, reported to the scene where a fire and an explosion had reportedly occurred.
The firefighters assessed the scene, identified the chemical hazards and implemented appropriate response measures, bringing the situation under control.
The driver reportedly sustained severe chemical burns and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
