Nana Otuo Siriboe II, a standing member of the National House of Chiefs, has raised concerns over inadequate funding for the institution, warning that the situation is affecting its ability to effectively arbitrate chieftaincy disputes across the country.
Addressing the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in Kumasi on Thursday, May 14, Nana Otuo Siriboe II said the institution, which was established under the Constitution and expected to be funded through the Consolidated Fund, continues to face severe financial constraints.
According to him, the lack of adequate resources has created major barriers for individuals seeking justice through the National House of Chiefs, particularly in matters relating to chieftaincy disputes.
“The institution which is supposed to be funded by the Consolidated Fund is being starved of funds to the point where it becomes inimical,” he stated.
The Juaben chief urged the parliamentary committee to critically examine the financial challenges confronting the institution, stressing that many people involved in disputes in various constituencies rely on the House of Chiefs for redress.
However, he noted that litigants are often confronted with high costs in pursuing cases before the traditional institution.
Nana Otuo Siriboe II questioned whether litigants at the High Court face similar financial burdens, suggesting that there may be disparities in access to justice between the traditional judicial system and the formal court system.
He also expressed concern about delays in the release of funds allocated to the National House of Chiefs, arguing that the situation continues to undermine the institution’s effectiveness.
The traditional ruler further advocated stronger collaboration between the Attorney-General’s Department and the National House of Chiefs through the secondment of legal personnel to serve as consultants and advisors.
According to him, such collaboration would strengthen the institution’s legal capacity in handling complex chieftaincy disputes across the country.
Emphasising the importance of the chieftaincy institution, Nana Otuo Siriboe II stated that chiefs remain custodians of Ghanaian culture, customs and traditions and therefore require adequate support to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
The concerns come amid recurring discussions about the role of traditional authorities in dispute resolution and governance, particularly in areas where unresolved chieftaincy disputes continue to affect peace and development.