President John Dramani Mahama today, Friday, May 5th received a courtesy call from the Northern Regional House of Chiefs at the seat of government in Accra, reaffirming a renewed partnership between traditional authorities and the state to drive development, peacebuilding, and accountability across Northern Ghana.
The high-level delegation was led by the Regent of Nanung and Acting President of the Nanumba Traditional Authority, N’yeb Nyelinboligulu Naa Andani Yakubu Dassana.
The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration between government and traditional leaders under the Reset Agenda, with discussions centered on infrastructure development, governance, security, youth empowerment, healthcare, and post-conflict reconstruction in affected communities within the Northern Region.
Chiefs as Partners in Governance and Development
President Mahama emphasized that traditional authorities remain indispensable to nation-building because of their legitimacy, cultural influence, and deep-rooted trust within communities.
He announced government’s intention to institutionalize structured collaboration between chiefs and District Assemblies through regular coordination meetings and joint monitoring of critical development projects to improve transparency, accountability, and effective delivery.
According to the President, the Northern Region remains central to Ghana’s transformation and food security agenda, highlighting ongoing and planned investments in:
- Agriculture and agribusiness
- Road infrastructure
- Education
- Healthcare delivery
- Water systems
- Rural electrification
President Mahama further called for stronger cooperation between chiefs, youth groups, and security agencies in addressing growing concerns over drug abuse and social insecurity among the youth.
He also reaffirmed government’s commitment to completing critical health projects in the region, including the psychiatric hospital in Mion and a new cardio center in Tamale.
Additionally, he assured the delegation that government would support the strengthening of traditional institutions, including assistance toward completing the Northern Regional House of Chiefs Secretariat.
Northern Chiefs Advocate Partnership Beyond Ceremonial Roles
In his remarks, N’yeb Nyelinboligulu Naa Andani Yakubu Dassana commended the Mahama administration for what he described as extraordinary attention to the Northern Region since returning to office in January 2025.
The Acting President praised recent presidential visits and development initiatives in Bimbilla, Wulensi, and surrounding communities, noting that the administration’s approach reflects practical and inclusive governance.
“We advocate partnership, not merely petitions; active collaboration, not just passive reception of interventions,” he stated.
He stressed that traditional authorities should play active roles in:
- Project supervision and monitoring
- Conflict resolution
- Security coordination
- Youth empowerment
- Governance accountability mechanisms
Appeal for Peace and Reconstruction in Bimbilla, Nantong, and Kariga
A major concern raised by the delegation was the prolonged chieftaincy conflict in Bimbilla and its impact on development and social stability within Nanung.
The Acting President appealed for a government-backed post-conflict reconstruction and development framework for Bimbilla, Nantong, Kariga, and other affected communities.
“Government must give us the peace that is needed, and development will follow,” he emphasized.
The delegation noted that unresolved tensions and non-compliance with previous legal and traditional resolutions have continued to affect livelihoods, displacement, and development in the area.
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