The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on government to increase financial allocations to the National House of Chiefs, arguing that adequate resources are essential for the institution to effectively regulate chieftaincy affairs across Ghana.
Otumfuo made the appeal at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi when the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs paid a courtesy call to formally introduce its mandate since its establishment in the 8th Parliament.
The Asantehene welcomed the formation of the committee and used the occasion to address the rising incidence of chieftaincy disputes, urging traditional rulers to anchor their authority in truth. He stressed that without truth, understanding and peace become impossible, and that instability in chieftaincy directly undermines community development.
Committee Chairman Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, who also serves as Member of Parliament for Offinso North, praised the Asantehene’s long record of mediating entrenched chieftaincy conflicts and credited his interventions with restoring peace in several communities. Dr. Asamoah also used the visit to congratulate Otumfuo on his 27th anniversary on the Golden Stool.
The committee members extended greetings to Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, which Otumfuo received and acknowledged warmly.
Following the audience, the delegation toured the Manhyia Palace Museum to deepen their understanding of Asante history, culture and art, a visit seen as relevant given the committee’s mandate over cultural affairs.
