Sunday, 23 August 2026

Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026

Sunday, 23 August 2026

Accra—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—

Ghanaian press · Organization

National House of Chiefs

Also known as: NHC

National House of Chiefs — highest traditional leadership body in Ghana that hears cases, mourns prominent chiefs, and partners with government on health and disaster relief initiatives.

2026-04-242026-08-23

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

May 2026
Parliamentary chieftaincy committee seeks Otumfuo's guidance on disputes
1. 13 MayJoy Online
  The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has stated that the National House of Chiefs has no authority to install chiefs, insisting that such powers belong exclusively to traditional councils. …
  House of Chiefs cannot install chiefs – Otumfuo warns against politicising chieftaincy
2. 13 MayJoy Online
  … He suggested that part of these resources could be redirected to strengthen the capacity of the National House of Chiefs and Regional Houses of Chiefs to resolve disputes before they escalate. …
  Chieftaincy committee seeks Otumfuo’s support to resolve rising chieftaincy disputes
11 MayJoy Online
The Oti Regional House of Chiefs has announced plans to begin mediation efforts aimed at finding a lasting solution to the protracted conflict in Nkwanta in the Oti Region. …
Oti Regional House of Chiefs to begin mediation process over Nkwanta conflict
April 2026
30 AprJoy Online
The National House of Chiefs has admonished workers in the country to work towards the protection of the environment. …
House of Chiefs urges Ghanaian workers to commit to environmental protection
24 AprDaily Guide
… His distinguished service included serving as Paramount Chief of Lawra (enskinned in 2007), former President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, and immediate past Vice President of the National House of Chiefs. …
Lawra Mourns Naa Puowelle Karbo III

Politics

Yakubu Abukari enskinned as Dagbon Regent following father's death

The News

Yakubu Abukari, a peasant farmer, has been enskinned as Regent of the Dagbon Kingdom under the skin name Kampakuya Na, following the death of his father, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, about three weeks ago. The installation ceremony at Gbewaa Palace in Yendi was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the National Chief Imam, and other dignitaries, marking a key stage in Dagbon's traditional succession process.

4 August 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Tuesday 4 August

Yakubu Abukari enskinned as Dagbon Regent following father's death
Yakubu Abukari, a peasant farmer, has been enskinned as Regent of the Dagbon Kingdom under the skin name Kampakuya Na, following the death of his father, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, about three weeks ago. The installation ceremony at Gbewaa Palace in Yendi was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the National Chief Imam, and other dignitaries, marking a key stage in Dagbon's traditional succession process.
4 August 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Friday 31 July

Ho-Dome Queen Mother alleges vote-buying in Council of State election
Mama Atrato II, Queen Mother of Ho-Dome, has alleged that delegates in the Volta Region's Council of State election were paid GH¢5,000 each to vote for particular candidates, and that delegates were transported and accommodated at a hotel in Sogakope. She attributed the Volta Region's slow development to the monetisation of the electoral process over competence.
31 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Vote buying deterred Togbe Afede from second-term bid as National House President
The Queen Mother of Ho-Dome has alleged that vote buying, including distribution of vehicles and cash by government officials, prevented Togbe Afede XIV from seeking re-election as President of the National House of Chiefs. She described election practices within the chieftaincy institution as heavily influenced by money and inducements, and welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to abolish the delegate system.
31 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 28 July

Togbe Afede XIV warns of uncapped Supreme Court appointments risk
Former President of the National House of Chiefs Togbe Afede XIV has cautioned that the absence of a constitutional limit on Supreme Court appointments could be exploited to advance political interests, and called for a critical review of the judicial appointment process to safeguard the court's independence.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Financial barriers prevent many from accessing justice, Togbe Afede says
Speaking at the Supreme Court's 150th anniversary celebration, the President of the Asogli Traditional Area said high legal representation costs remain a major obstacle preventing many people from obtaining justice, urging the legal profession to ensure access regardless of financial circumstances.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Academic warns against return of tribunals as terror
Prof. Kwesi Yankah reflects on the June 4, 1979 executions, citing the lack of fair trial for those killed and drawing parallels to concerns about tribunal proceedings. He recounts accounts from orphans of those executed, emphasizing the injustice of their deaths without proper legal defense.
28 July 2026 · The Chronicle →

Monday 27 July

Tribunals and injustice: Reflections on June 4th executions
Prof Kwesi Yankah writes an opinion piece reflecting on the June 4th, 1979 executions in Ghana, highlighting the pain of orphans whose fathers were executed without proper trial — only "kangaroo courts" with unseen judges. The piece questions whether due process was afforded to those killed and contrasts their treatment with contemporary cases where officials were given legal representation.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 22 July

Chief Justice lauds traditional leaders for resolving disputes
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie commended traditional leaders for their roles in maintaining peace and order and peacefully adjudicating community disputes, which he said has reduced the burden on courts. He called for closer collaboration between the chieftaincy institution and judiciary to improve justice delivery.
22 July 2026 · Daily Guide →

Friday 17 July

National House of Chiefs mourns Ya-Naa Abukari II's death
The National House of Chiefs has extended condolences to the Dagbon Traditional Council following the death of Ya-Naa Mahama Abukari II, King and Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, describing his passing as a "monumental loss" to Dagbon, chieftaincy institutions, and the nation. The House commended his reign for commitment to peace, reconciliation, unity, and preservation of Dagbon's cultural heritage.
17 July 2026 · Joy Online →
National House of Chiefs mourns Ya-Naa Abukari II's death
The National House of Chiefs has extended condolences to the Dagbon Traditional Council following the death of Ya-Naa Mahama Abukari II, King and Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, describing his passing as a "monumental loss" to Dagbon, chieftaincy, and the nation. The House noted his reign was marked by commitment to peace, reconciliation, unity, and preservation of Dagbon's cultural heritage.
17 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 16 July

National House of Chiefs mourns death of Ya-Naa Abukari II
The National House of Chiefs has extended condolences to the Dagbon Traditional Council following the death of His Royal Majesty Ya-Naa Mahama Abukari II, King and Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, describing his passing as a "monumental loss" to Dagbon, the institution of chieftaincy, and the nation as a whole.
16 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Justice calls for reforms to keep certain cases at Court of Appeal
A Justice of the Court of Appeal has called for constitutional and legislative reforms to allow certain categories of cases to end at the Court of Appeal rather than proceed to the Supreme Court, arguing this would ease the apex court's growing workload. She noted that the Supreme Court is currently overstretched by the volume and diversity of cases it is mandated to hear, including original jurisdiction in constitutional and regional matters, appellate jurisdiction over cases from the National House of Chiefs, final appellate jurisdiction over decisions of the Court of Appeal, jurisdiction over presidential election petitions, and supervisory jurisdiction over the High Court and Court of Appeal.
16 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 13 July

Mahama proposes codifying chieftaincy succession to reduce disputes
President John Mahama has announced plans to codify chieftaincy succession processes in the Upper West Region, aiming to reduce disputes and strengthen peace by documenting royal families, succession gates, and rotational arrangements. The President expressed concern that financial inducements have influenced traditional processes, leading to the selection of individuals without legitimate claims to stools.
13 July 2026 · The Chronicle →

Friday 10 July

Dzodze Traditional Council appoints acting president for one year
The Dzodze Traditional Council has formally notified the Ketu North Municipal Assembly and other state institutions of the appointment of Torgbui Ege IV as Acting President of the Council, approved by the Volta Regional House of Chiefs on June 18 in accordance with the Chieftaincy Act, 2008. The one-year appointment follows due process pending resolution of a chieftaincy matter affecting the Traditional Area.
10 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 9 July

Bagbin calls for constitutional reform integrating traditional and religious leaders
Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has advocated for constitutional amendments to integrate traditional and religious leaders into Parliament's framework, arguing this would foster national unity and reduce partisanship in the legislative body. He made the case during the National Development Conference hosted by the Church of Pentecost.
9 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 7 July

Ghana Medical Trust Fund appeals to chiefs for healthcare access
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) appealed to the National House of Chiefs to support government efforts expanding access to specialised healthcare for Ghanaians with chronic non-communicable diseases. The delegation, led by Board Chairperson Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, said traditional leaders are essential partners in ensuring the Fund's benefits reach communities across the country.
7 July 2026 · Daily Guide →

Monday 6 July

Chiefs urge government for permanent flood control measures
Ghana's National House of Chiefs has called on the government to implement permanent and practical measures to address recurring flooding, following recent devastating floods that killed at least 19 people and displaced thousands of residents across Accra, Tema and other regions.
6 July 2026 · Daily Guide →
Ghana Medical Trust Fund partners with House of Chiefs
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), established under Act 1144 (2025) to cover non-communicable disease costs not included in the National Health Insurance Scheme, has met with the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi to discuss a strategic partnership for community education and public awareness about the fund's services.
6 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
Lambusie Paramount Chief inducted into National House of Chiefs
Kuoro Issaka Kazie Zengeh Tenje II, Paramount Chief of Lambusie Traditional Area in Upper West Region, has been inducted as a new member of the National House of Chiefs, replacing the late NaaPuowelleKarbo III. He was sworn in on 2 July 2026 before the president of the House.
6 July 2026 · The Chronicle →

Friday 3 July

National House of Chiefs backs Ghana Medical Trust Fund
The National House of Chiefs has pledged full support for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which was established to reduce the financial burden on patients suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases. The chiefs committed to champion the initiative nationwide to help ensure more Ghanaians living with chronic diseases benefit from financial assistance for specialised healthcare.
3 July 2026 · Joy Online →
KATH Cardiology Centre set for August 2026 completion
Construction of a cardiology centre at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, funded by the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, is on track to be completed by the end of August 2026, the Fund's Administrator announced during an inspection in Kumasi. The facility will house the Ashanti Region's first catheterisation laboratory and is intended to enhance diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
3 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 2 July

Supreme Court at 150: Judiciary evolution from colonial to democratic era
At the inaugural Supreme Court @150 Anniversary Lecture Series, Professor Philip Ebow Bondzi-Simpson traced Ghana's 150-year judicial history, noting that the Supreme Court's 1876 establishment unified existing judicial structures across British West African territories and that the country's judicial system has evolved through colonial rule, constitutional reforms, customary law, military interventions, and the development of an independent judiciary.
2 July 2026 · Joy Online →
National House of Chiefs wants less emphasis on "MahamaCares" slogan
The National House of Chiefs has questioned the sustainability of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund beyond the current administration and called for the slogan "MahamaCares" to be de-emphasised to avoid politicisation. The traditional leaders cited abandoned projects like Agenda 111 and Saglemi Housing and requested assurances that the free national health care initiative will continue beyond 2028.
2 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Gonja king seeks deeper ties with Asante Kingdom for peace, development
The Yagbonwura of the Gonja Kingdom has called for stronger collaboration with the Asante Kingdom, saying their ancient relationship should be deepened to promote peace, preserve culture, and improve community welfare. He also urged traditional leaders across Ghana to demonstrate the relevance of the chieftaincy institution.
2 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 30 June

Takoradi traders boycott tolls, threaten market relocation
Traders at Takoradi's New Market have declared an indefinite toll boycott from July 1 and threatened to move to the uncompleted Takoradi Market Circle by end-July if authorities do not complete the long-delayed project, citing five years of waiting in a temporary facility that was meant to be used for only two years.
30 June 2026 · Business & Financial Times →

Thursday 25 June

GTMO calls for arrests after Forestry Commission checkpoint attack
The Ghana Timber Millers Organisation has demanded arrests and prosecution of those responsible for a June 9 violent attack on a Forestry Commission timber monitoring checkpoint in Bono East Region, warning that illegal timber trafficking and forest crime pose a growing threat to timber-producing areas and national security.
25 June 2026 · Business & Financial Times →

Tuesday 23 June

Government engages chiefs to regulate firearms at cultural events
The Interior Minister says the government is engaging traditional authorities to strictly regulate firearm use at cultural gatherings and outdooring ceremonies, ensuring only trained and authorised individuals handle weapons during these events to enhance public safety.
23 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 22 June

Mahama hosts first-ever Juneteenth commemoration outside US
President Mahama led Heads of State, traditional leaders, and African diaspora members at Christiansborg Castle in Accra on June 19 for the first Juneteenth observance held outside the United States, commemorating the end of slavery with wreath-laying and a reenactment of the transatlantic slave trade.
22 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 20 June

Timber Millers Organisation condemns attack on Forestry Commission checkpoint
The Ghana Timber Millers Organisation has strongly condemned an attack on a Forestry Commission timber monitoring checkpoint at Babatokuma in Bono East Region on June 9, during which state property was destroyed and staff were injured, calling for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
20 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 19 June

NACOC seeks chiefs' support in combating rising drug abuse
The Narcotics Control Commission has engaged the National House of Chiefs to help tackle drug abuse, particularly among youth. The NACOC Director-General warned that individuals aged 20–29 are the largest group of drug users and that cannabis is the most widely abused substance in Ghana.
19 June 2026 · The Chronicle →