House of Chiefs raises concern over insufficient allowances
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs
The National House of Chiefs has raised concerns over inadequate sitting allowances and what it describes as poor logistical support affecting the performance of its duties.
The House said the conditions under which members operate are increasingly making it difficult to discharge their administrative and consultative responsibilities effectively. Members argue that allowances for sittings are insufficient, especially given the frequency and importance of their engagements.
In addition to financial constraints, the House has drawn attention to challenges with logistics such as transportation, office space, and other essential operational resources.
According to them, these shortcomings are undermining coordination and reducing efficiency in supporting governance and traditional leadership structures.
The leadership is therefore calling for urgent government intervention, insisting that improved remuneration and logistical support will enhance their contribution to national development, conflict resolution, and cultural preservation.
They emphasised that traditional authorities remain central to community governance and national cohesion and must therefore be adequately resourced to function effectively.
The issue came up when the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs visited the House in Kumasi on a courtesy call.
During the engagement, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anwiaso Traditional Area, noted that while official vehicles are expected to be replaced every four years, the last replacement occurred in 2019.
He also pointed out that the six newly created regions lack accommodation for the House, adding that the GH¢400 quarterly logistics allowance and GH¢3,000 monthly stipend are often delayed or unpaid.
Reacting to the concerns, the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma Central, Dan Abdul-Latif, who stood in as the Ranking Member of the Committee, advised that the House should put forward stronger proposals to Parliament to safeguard its constitutional independence, rather than depending on ministerial allocations.
