National House of Chiefs laments insufficient sitting allowances and lack of logistics

Members of the National House of Chiefs have expressed concern over inadequate sitting allowances, delayed payments, and insufficient logistics, warning that the challenges are negatively affecting their ability to effectively carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

The concerns were raised during a courtesy visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs to the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi.

Speaking during the engagement, the President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anwiaso Traditional Area in the Western North Region, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, highlighted several operational difficulties facing the institution.

According to him, the House has struggled with inadequate funding and logistical support for years, making it difficult for chiefs to effectively discharge their duties, including resolving chieftaincy disputes and promoting traditional governance across the country.

Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II revealed that official vehicles assigned to members of the House are expected to be replaced every four years. However, he noted that the last replacement exercise took place in 2019, leaving many chiefs without reliable transportation for official duties and regional engagements.

He further disclosed that the six newly created regions in Ghana still do not have accommodation facilities for their respective Houses of Chiefs, creating operational and administrative difficulties for traditional authorities in those areas.

The President of the National House of Chiefs also lamented delays in the payment of allowances and logistics allocations. He explained that the GH¢400 quarterly logistics allocation meant to support the work of the chiefs is often not released on time, while the GH¢3,000 monthly sitting allowance is also paid irregularly.

Traditional leaders argue that the situation undermines the effective functioning of the institution and affects their ability to contribute meaningfully to national development, conflict resolution, and cultural preservation.

During the meeting, the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma Central, Dan Abdul-Latif, who acted as the Ranking Member for the Committee, suggested that the National House of Chiefs should push for greater institutional independence in line with constitutional provisions.

He noted that since the House now falls under a government ministry, it often depends on ministerial budget allocations for operations and logistics. According to him, the institution should present strong proposals to Parliament’s leadership to secure its status as a more independent constitutional body capable of receiving direct support and funding.

Mr. Abdul-Latif argued that such a move could improve the financial autonomy and operational efficiency of the House while reducing bureaucratic delays associated with ministerial oversight.

The Chairman of the Committee, Fred Kyei Asamoah, assured the chiefs of Parliament’s commitment to supporting the National House of Chiefs in addressing its challenges.

He emphasized the important role traditional authorities continue to play in maintaining peace, preserving Ghanaian culture, and resolving chieftaincy disputes across the country.

Dr. Kyei Asamoah added that the Committee remains willing to collaborate with the House to improve its operational capacity and help resolve the many chieftaincy matters currently before it.

The concerns raised by the chiefs come amid growing calls for increased state support and improved welfare conditions for traditional leaders, who continue to play a vital role in local governance, community development, and national cohesion.