The Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Council has introduced stricter measures and fresh guidelines for newly installed chiefs and family heads as part of efforts to reduce chieftaincy and land disputes in the area.
At a workshop attended by more than 160 chiefs and family heads, the Council outlined rules on land administration, customary law, ethics, dispute resolution, and relations with state institutions.
Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI, President of the Council, said chiefs who commit crimes would not be protected and could be removed from the Council’s records if found culpable.
He also disclosed that regents serving in towns without substantive chiefs would be limited to six months, subject to renewal based on performance and conduct.
To curb conflicts over land ownership, the Council has established a Customary Land Secretariat to ensure chiefs and family heads seek approval before leasing lands to investors or individuals.
The Council has also set up a Customary Arbitration Centre to help resolve chieftaincy and family disputes before they escalate into lengthy court battles.
In addition, the Traditional Council has introduced a by-law banning the practice of invoking curses against one another, warning that offenders would face sanctions.
Legal practitioner Benedict Bosu Simpson urged chiefs to operate within the law and avoid actions that fuel unnecessary disputes and litigation.
Another resource person, Ebenezer Kwame Akomaning, reminded chiefs that although they are protected under the Constitution, they are not above the law and must stay away from active partisan politics.
