Date: 15th June, 2026
The Hon. Minister
Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs
P.O. Box M 45
Accra
PETITION: INSTITUTIONALIZE MANDATORY VETTING OF CHIEFS AND CHIEF-DESIGNATES BY THE NARCOTICS CONTROL COMMISSION BEFORE GAZETTING
Honourable Minister,
I write as a concerned citizen of Ghana, pursuant to Article 21(1)(a) of the 1992 Constitution, to petition your Ministry to urgently institute a policy requiring all persons nominated for enstoolment/enskinment as chiefs to undergo mandatory vetting by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) prior to gazetting.
1. Background and Public Interest
The chieftaincy institution is a pillar of Ghana’s cultural heritage and local governance, recognized under Article 270(1) of the Constitution. Chiefs are custodians of custom, land, and moral authority.
However, there is growing public concern over allegations of individuals with histories of narcotics trafficking and other serious crimes attaining high traditional office. Viral social media audio, like that allegedly involving a self-styled ‘Chief of Dansoman’ recounting drug-related offenses abroad, damages public trust whether proven or not.
When stools become accessible through illicit wealth, it sends a message that crime pays, undermines NACOC’s mandate under Act 1019, and risks Ghana’s international reputation with respect to anti-money laundering and counter-narcotics standards.
2. Legal Basis for Request
Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), s.57: Provides grounds for destoolment where a chief’s conduct “has brought the stool into disrepute.” Prevention is more effective than destoolment after the fact.
Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019): Mandates NACOC to take measures to prevent drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Vetting traditional leaders aligns with this preventive mandate.
Article 35(8): The State shall take steps to eradicate corrupt practices and abuse of power.
3. Specific Prayers
I respectfully pray that the Ministry:
Issue a directive in collaboration with the National House of Chiefs requiring all Regional Houses of Chiefs to submit the names, photographs, and fingerprints of chief-designates to NACOC for background checks before forwarding Chieftaincy Declaration Forms (CDFs) for gazetting.
Amend L.I. 1820 or issue a Ministerial Policy Guideline to make NACOC clearance a prerequisite for entry of a chief’s name in the National Register of Chiefs.
Establish a review mechanism whereby existing gazetted chiefs credibly alleged to have been involved in narcotics trafficking may be investigated. Where allegations are substantiated, initiate proceedings for destoolment under Act 759.
Create a public portal for citizens to submit evidence regarding misconduct of chiefs, to be assessed jointly by the Ministry and NACOC.
4. Justification
Protect the institution: Vetting protects credible chiefs from being tainted by association.
Deter criminal infiltration: Clear barriers reduce the incentive to use drug proceeds to fund enstoolment.
Align with national policy: Supports Ghana’s National Integrated Programme on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and FATF recommendations on politically exposed persons.
Restore public confidence: Demonstrates that no office in Ghana is above scrutiny.
5. Conclusion
Ghana’s development cannot be built on the proceeds of poison. If the custodians of our traditions are not above reproach, then tradition itself becomes a commodity for sale.
I am ready to provide further information and participate in any stakeholder consultation on this matter.
I look forward to your urgent action.
Yours faithfully,
Signature]
CC:
The President, National House of Chiefs
The Director-General, Narcotics Control Commission
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice
The Inspector-General of Police, CID Headquarters
