I Have No Intention To Interfere In Chieftaincy Matters – Ayariga

Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has stated that he has no intention to interfere in chieftaincy matters if approved to lead the ministry.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee during his vetting on August 27, 2026, Mr Ayariga said the Chieftaincy Act and the 1992 Constitution clearly define the role of the minister as providing support to traditional institutions and not meddling in chieftaincy disputes.

“The Chieftaincy Act and the Constitution impose obligations on ministers who are acting on behalf of the President to provide support services to the institution, namely, the National House of Chiefs, the Regional Houses of Chiefs and the traditional councils,” he said.

According to him, the distinction is crucial to ensuring that the executive does not exceed its constitutional remit.

While government has a responsibility to support the effective functioning of traditional institutions, he noted that responsibility does not give ministers the power to determine or influence chieftaincy disputes.

“When there is actually a matter that is a chieftaincy matter, it is actually the Regional and National House of Chiefs and the Supreme Court that have jurisdiction,” he explained.

Mr Ayariga was emphatic about the approach he would adopt at the ministry.

“As a minister, you have no mandate to go interfering in chieftaincy matters, and that is exactly how I will approach the work,” he stressed.

He indicated that the National House of Chiefs, Regional Houses of Chiefs and traditional councils would remain central to the handling of chieftaincy matters, while the courts would retain their judicial role where applicable.

At the same time, he said the minister would still have responsibility for ensuring that government meets its obligations towards the recognised traditional institutions.

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