Eastern Regional Peace Council (ERPC) Strengthens Ties with New Juaben Traditional Authority
A delegation from the Eastern Regional Peace Council, led by Professor Mark Boadu, Chairman of the Eastern Regional Peace Council (ERPC), paid a courtesy call on the New Juaben Traditional Council on 9th April 2026.
The delegation was received by the Omanhene, Dasaabre Kwaku Boateng III, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with traditional authorities and promote peace, security, and effective governance within the traditional area.
Purpose of the Visit
The visit aimed to:
- Strengthen ties between the Peace Council and traditional rulers
- Discuss concerns relating to violent extremism among youth
- Explore effective approaches to managing chieftaincy conflicts
Key Discussions
Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration between the Council and traditional authorities, addressing youth vulnerability to violent extremism, and managing recurring chieftaincy disputes.
The Council underscored the critical role of traditional leaders in maintaining peace, preserving cultural values, and promoting community development. It emphasized that strong collaboration between formal governance systems and traditional institutions is essential for conflict prevention and social cohesion.
On violent extremism, the Council highlighted the growing vulnerability of young people due to unemployment, social exclusion, and exposure to harmful ideologies. It stressed the need for proactive interventions, including awareness creation, community engagement, and youth empowerment initiatives.
Regarding chieftaincy conflicts, the Council acknowledged their recurring nature and the risks they pose to peace and development. Dialogue, adherence to customary laws, and strengthening local conflict resolution mechanisms were identified as key strategies for managing such disputes.
Remarks by the Omanhene
In his response, Dasaabre Kwaku Boateng III welcomed the delegation and commended the Peace Council for its continued efforts in promoting peace and stability.
He highlighted structural challenges facing the chieftaincy institution, noting that the authority of chiefs—particularly their ability to summon individuals—has weakened over time, limiting their effectiveness in maintaining discipline and addressing community-level conflicts.
He further explained the role of queenmothers in the Akan chieftaincy system as principal kingmakers, emphasizing that their nominations are subject to consultation and approval by other kingmakers to ensure legitimacy and stability.
The Omanhene also raised concerns about political interference in chieftaincy matters, observing that such involvement often complicates dispute resolution and exacerbates divisions within traditional areas.
On youth and violence, he pointed to unemployment and lack of economic opportunities as key drivers, stressing the need for deliberate efforts to engage and empower young people.
Capacity Building Initiatives
The Council outlined plans to implement capacity-building programmes for traditional authorities, kingmakers, and other stakeholders. These initiatives will focus on conflict prevention and resolution, leadership development, governance practices, and peacebuilding strategies.
The proposal was well received, with stakeholders recognizing its importance in strengthening traditional governance systems.
Conclusion
The courtesy call reinforced the partnership between the National Peace Council and the New Juaben Traditional Authority, providing a platform for constructive dialogue on critical issues affecting peace, governance, and youth development.
In his closing remarks, Professor Mark Boadu expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to sustained collaboration with traditional authorities to promote peace, prevent conflict, and support inclusive development across the region.
