Ketu North Member of Parliament Edem Agbana has issued a urgent appeal to traditional leaders in his constituency to resolve protracted chieftaincy and land disputes, warning that such conflicts are stifling critical development initiatives.
Speaking during the confirmation ceremony of Martin Amenaki as Ketu North’s Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) on Thursday, Agbana emphasized that political leaders face significant challenges implementing projects in communities gripped by litigation and factional rivalries.
“Unrest, land disputes, and chieftaincy conflicts in parts of our municipality are directly undermining progress,” Agbana stated. “When development projects are proposed, political leaders risk being accused of taking sides unless there is unity among traditional authorities.” He revealed that multiple infrastructure plans and investor engagements have stalled due to tensions, leaving residents without improved roads, schools, water access, and job opportunities.
The MP stressed that while legislators cannot arbitrate traditional succession matters, the fallout from such disputes inevitably spills into governance. “When conflicts enter the political arena, it is ordinary citizens who suffer most,” he said, noting that prolonged instability deters private investment and public sector interventions. Agbana urged chiefs to prioritize communal needs over individual or factional interests, declaring, “Our people are hungry for development. This cannot thrive in an environment of division.”
Agbana’s remarks coincide with his pledge to collaborate with the newly confirmed MCE to revitalize the local economy. He called for traditional leaders’ “full backing” to advance projects, asserting that unity would ensure Ketu North’s transformation. The appeal follows earlier efforts to channel 80% of district assembly funds directly to local governments under President Mahama’s decentralization agenda, a policy aimed at empowering grassroots development.
Chieftaincy and land disputes remain a persistent hurdle across Ghana, where overlapping traditional and modern governance systems often clash. Analysts note that such conflicts delay infrastructure projects and exacerbate regional inequities, particularly in rural areas. A 2023 report by the National Peace Council identified land litigation as a top driver of localized instability, affecting nearly 40% of Ghana’s municipalities. While the government has mediation frameworks in place, enforcement remains inconsistent, leaving many communities in limbo.
Ketu North’s challenges mirror broader national debates over balancing tradition with development needs. As Agbana’s call underscores, resolving these tensions will require coordinated efforts between political leaders and traditional institutions to align priorities. With Ghana’s 2024 elections approaching, the government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate tangible progress in regions historically hampered by governance bottlenecks.
