The Bono Regional Peace Council has successfully organised a One-Day Participatory Review and Reflection Dialogue on Challenges to Chieftaincy Succession in the Bono Region at the Municipal Assembly Hall, Drobo, on Thursday, 16th July 2026.

The dialogue brought together traditional authorities, state institutions, security agencies, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and other key stakeholders to reflect on the emerging challenges associated with chieftaincy succession and explore practical approaches towards preventing and managing related disputes.

The engagement aimed to review key trends and challenges in chieftaincy succession disputes within the region, examine the roles of stakeholders in succession management, identify gaps in customary, administrative, and conflict prevention mechanisms, and develop stakeholder-driven recommendations to strengthen peaceful succession processes.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Suallah Abdallah Quandah, Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (RME) at the National Peace Council, highlighted the significant role of the chieftaincy institution in Ghana’s governance and peacebuilding architecture. He noted that chiefs continue to serve as custodians of culture, administrators of customary law, mediators of disputes, and important partners in promoting development within their communities.

He, however, observed that disputes over succession to traditional stools remain a major challenge affecting peace and development in parts of the Bono Region. He explained that unresolved succession disputes can weaken traditional authority, disrupt community harmony, and create prolonged conflicts that affect local development efforts.

Mr. Quandah emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among traditional councils, religious leaders, state institutions, and security agencies to prevent and manage succession-related conflicts. He further stressed the importance of documenting customary procedures for the installation of chiefs to provide clarity, preserve cultural heritage, and reduce misunderstandings that often lead to disputes.

The Regional Executive Secretary of the Bono Regional Peace Council, Mr. John Boazie, and the Municipal Chief Executive for Jaman South Municipality, Hon. Siata Watara, joined other stakeholders in the dialogue, which provided a platform for open discussions and consensus building on practical measures to promote peaceful and lawful chieftaincy succession processes.

Participants agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation among traditional authorities, government institutions, security agencies, and community leaders to enhance early prevention, peaceful resolution, and sustainable management of succession-related conflicts.

The programme was attended by representatives from the Japekrom Traditional Council, Suma Traditional Council, Drobo Traditional Council, Kwatwoma Traditional Council, Dwenem Traditional Council, security agencies, MCEs/DCEs, religious leaders, and civil society organisations.

The Bono Regional Peace Council remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen Ghana’s traditional governance systems, promote dialogue, and contribute to lasting peace and stability across the region.