Members of the National House of Chiefs have expressed their dissatisfaction regarding inadequate sitting allowances and a lack of logistical support, which are hindering their ability to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities.
These issues were brought to light during a courtesy visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs to the House in Kumasi.
Highlighting the difficulties faced by the Chiefs, the President of the National House of Chiefs and the Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anwiaso Traditional Area in the Western North Region, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, pointed out that their vehicles are supposed to be replaced every four years; however, the last replacement occurred in 2019.
He also mentioned that the newly established six Regions lack proper accommodation for the House of Chiefs, and the quarterly allocation of GH¢400, designated for logistics, along with the monthly allowance of GH¢3,000, is not consistently disbursed.
Given that the National House of Chiefs is now under a Ministry, Hon. Dan Abdul-Latif, the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma Central and acting Ranking Member for the Committee, proposed that the National House of Chiefs should present compelling proposals to the Leadership of Parliament to maintain its status as an independent entity as outlined in the constitution, thereby reducing its reliance on Ministries for funding.
Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, the Chairman of the Committee, conveyed the Committee’s dedication and readiness to assist the National House of Chiefs in operating effectively and addressing various chieftaincy matters before it.
