Western North Regional Peace Council Engages Traditional Leaders on Chieftaincy Disputes, Illegal Mining and Environmental Protection

The Western North Regional Peace Council (WNRPC) has held a consultative dialogue with traditional leaders and stakeholders aimed at promoting peace, strengthening conflict prevention mechanisms, and addressing emerging threats to sustainable development in the region.

The engagement, held on 9th July 2026 at the Anhiaso Chief Palace, focused on increasing chieftaincy disputes, illegal mining activities (galamsey), illegal logging and their impact on peace, social cohesion, traditional governance and environmental sustainability.

The dialogue sought to strengthen collaboration between traditional authorities and relevant stakeholders, improve early warning and reporting systems, promote information sharing, and enhance the capacity of community leaders in conflict prevention and peaceful dispute resolution.

Speaking at the event, Most Rev. Samuel Nkuah-Boateng, Chairman of the Western North Regional Peace Council, emphasized the importance of collective action in maintaining peace, protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. He called on traditional authorities to play a more active role in resolving disputes through dialogue, discouraging illegal mining and logging activities, and working closely with state institutions to safeguard peace and the region’s natural resources.

Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, expressed concern about the increasing cases of chieftaincy disputes, illegal mining, illegal logging and drug abuse among young people in the region. He noted that these challenges threaten peace, security, traditional authority, environmental protection and socio-economic development.

He stressed the need for traditional leaders to remain neutral in resolving chieftaincy disputes through mediation, dialogue, customary processes and respect for the rule of law. He further called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to improve public education, strengthen enforcement of environmental regulations and encourage communities to report activities that threaten the region’s natural resources.

The Paramount Chief also urged young people to avoid activities that undermine the environment and future development, while reaffirming his commitment to working with the Regional Peace Council and other partners to promote peaceful coexistence, responsible traditional leadership and sustainable development.

The dialogue brought together representatives from the Western North Regional Peace Council, Anhiaso Traditional Council and the media as part of efforts to strengthen community-based peacebuilding and early response mechanisms in the region.