Traditional and political leaders in Ghana’s Western Region have intensified calls for peace and unity, warning that unresolved chieftaincy and boundary disputes could undermine development and economic activity in the area.
The Paramount Chief of the Nsein Traditional Area and Lower Town Axim, Awulae Agyefi Kwame II, has appealed to government to ensure justice and fairness in resolving the long-running boundary dispute between his jurisdiction and the Lower Axim Traditional Area, headed by Awulae Attibrukusu III.
He said the matter should be treated with the seriousness of a national security issue because of its potential implications for peace and stability in the area.
Awulae Agyefi Kwame II, who is also a Board Member of the Ghana National Gas Company, made the appeal at a durbar held to climax the annual Kundum festival of the Nsein Traditional Area and Lower Town Axim.
The celebration was held on the theme: “Preparing the Youth for Effective Future Leadership Through Entrepreneurship: A Collective Responsibility.”
The chief stressed that a peaceful environment was critical to the development of the area, particularly given the economic activities and natural resources within the Western Region.
House of Chiefs promises intervention
Chairman of the celebration and Paramount Chief of the Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobena Nketiah IV, assured Awulae Agyefi Kwame II that the Western Regional House of Chiefs would intervene to help resolve the boundary and chieftaincy disputes between Nsein and Lower Axim.
He described chieftaincy disputes and disunity as some of the major challenges confronting Ghana and urged traditional rulers to place justice, fairness and freedom at the centre of the chieftaincy institution.
Nana Nketiah, who is also President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, said traditional institutions must first address internal divisions if the country’s efforts at reparatory justice were to achieve their intended purpose.
He argued that historical divisions, including tribalism and backbiting, had previously created opportunities for colonial intervention in traditional governance.
He therefore called on chiefs and communities to strengthen unity and prepare young people to appreciate their cultural heritage and values.
Peace crucial to Western Region’s development
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, said the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) would engage the Western Regional House of Chiefs as part of efforts to find a lasting solution to the disputes.
He said the region’s abundance of natural resources had not translated into the level of development expected, partly because of disunity and the absence of sustained peace in some areas.
Mr Nelson, who conveyed festive greetings from President John Dramani Mahama, said the Kundum festival should provide an opportunity for reconciliation, unity and reflection.
He assured residents that government would continue working to create an enabling environment for young people to turn their skills and potential into productive economic activities.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company, Judith Adjoba Blay, also stressed the importance of peace to investment and business operations.
She said Ghana Gas could only operate effectively in an atmosphere of stability and appealed to stakeholders to pursue an amicable settlement of the chieftaincy disputes.
Madam Blay urged the Western Regional Minister to remain committed to securing peace in the area.
The Member of Parliament for Evaloe-Adjomoro-Gwira, Kofi Arko Nokoe, also pledged to work with the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) to address the boundary and other chieftaincy disputes.
Apology over Kundum incident
The Municipal Chief Executive for Nzema-East, Herbert Kuah-Dickson, on behalf of MUSEC, apologised to Awulae Agyefi Kwame II over his inability to be paraded in a palanquin during the 2026 Kundum celebrations.
He asked the Omanhene for forgiveness over the lapse and assured the traditional council that efforts would be made to resolve outstanding disputes and other issues ahead of next year’s celebrations.
The MCE said the goal was to restore harmony and ensure that the Kundum festival could return to its normal form in the coming year.
