Traditional chiefs face growing challenges in Upper East Region – Navro-Pio Secretary
Felix Kondayire says land disputes, chieftaincy conflicts, illegal mining and youth-related social challenges are placing increasing pressure on traditional leaders in the Upper East Region.
The Secretary to the Paramount Chief of the Navrongo Traditional Area, Felix Kondayire, has highlighted the growing challenges confronting traditional authorities in the Upper East Region, saying issues such as land disputes, chieftaincy conflicts, illegal mining, youth unemployment, and limited financial resources are hindering development in many communities.
Speaking on Voices of Change on Mike FM on Saturday, June 27, Kondayire said the changing social and economic landscape has placed increasing pressure on traditional leaders, making it more difficult for them to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
According to him, chiefs today face far greater challenges than their predecessors, whose authority was rarely questioned and whose directives were readily obeyed.
“Chiefs are revered traditional personalities. In the past, chiefs did not face the kind of challenges confronting today’s traditional leaders. Whatever a chief asked someone to do was done without expecting any reward.”
“Today, the situation has changed. Financial constraints limit the ability of chiefs to undertake development projects, while chieftaincy and land disputes continue to undermine peace and progress,” he said.
Kondayire reaffirmed the important role traditional leaders play as custodians of culture and agents of community development.
“Chiefs and landlords are custodians of our culture and traditions. They preserve and transmit cultural values, settle disputes, strengthen community cohesion, and mobilise support and investment for local development,” he noted.
He stressed the need for chiefs to address disputes at their early stages to prevent them from escalating into violent conflicts, adding that traditional courts remain an effective mechanism for resolving disagreements through dialogue and mediation.
“Chiefs can prevent disputes from escalating into conflicts and wars by resolving disagreements early through fair mediation, dialogue, and impartial traditional justice. They also promote unity by encouraging respect, cooperation, and peaceful communication among community members,” he said.
Kondayire also expressed concern over the increasing incidence of drug abuse, school dropouts, and other social vices among young people, attributing the trend largely to poor parenting and weakening family support systems.
He urged parents and guardians not to abandon young people battling substance abuse, emphasising that recovery is possible with the right guidance, care, and support.
“Families should not give up on those struggling with substance abuse. With proper support, counselling, and encouragement, there is always hope for recovery and a better future,” he added.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Cynthia Afaah
