Mamponghene, Daasebere Osei Bonsu II, has publicly supported the government’s decision to abolish the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, framing it as a pivotal opportunity to restructure and strengthen the chieftaincy institution.
Speaking during the first meeting of the Standing Committee of the National House of Chiefs, Daasebere emphasized the need for the chiefs to reassert their influence within Ghana’s governance framework.
“We must use this moment to review and reaffirm our constitutional standing and the Chieftaincy Act,” he stated.
Reflecting on historical precedents, he highlighted the establishment of the Chieftaincy Secretariat under former President Jerry John Rawlings and noted how successive administrations had altered the institution’s structure.
The Mamponghene underscored that the abolition should not be viewed as a loss but rather as an opportunity for chiefs to work directly with the government to redefine their roles in fostering national development and unity.
The government’s decision comes as part of a broader restructuring effort initiated by President John Dramani Mahama, who recently reduced the number of ministries from 30 to 23.
This move is intended to enhance efficiency, cut down on administrative costs, and focus resources on critical areas of national development.
Under this new arrangement, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has been integrated into the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, reflecting a commitment to harmonizing roles and reducing overlaps.
The 23 Ministries Under the Mahama Administration : Ministry of Finance ,
Ministry of Health ,Ministry of the Interior ,Ministry of Defence ,Ministry of Education ,Ministry of Energy and Green Transition
,Ministry of Roads and Highways ,Ministry of Transport ,Ministry of Sports and Recreation ,
Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice ,Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources ,Ministry of Local Government,
Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs ,Ministry of Foreign Affairs ,Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations ,
Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology ,Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment , Ministry of Works,
Housing, and Water Resources ,Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection ,
Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts ,Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment ,
Ministry of Food and Agriculture ,Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture ,Ministry of Trade and Industry
🇬🇭 Mamponghene Daasebere Osei Bonsu II defends the government’s decision to abolish the Chieftaincy Ministry, advocating for a restructuring of the system. #CitiNewsroom pic.twitter.com/7hcSIUqDNR
— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) January 13, 2025
