The Overlord of Gonja, Yagbonwura Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, has called on the government, through the National House of Chiefs, to intensify efforts toward codifying customs, practices, and usages related to chieftaincy successions.

He said such clarity would enhance justice, reduce conflicts, and safeguard Ghana’s cultural heritage.

Delivering a speech as Special Guest of Honour at the Grand Durbar of the 2025 Odwira Festival, held at the forecourt of the Okuapemhene’s Palace in the Akuapem North Municipality on October 24, Yapeiwura Dr. Adam Baba Tanko Zakaria, who represented the Yagbonwura, expressed concern over the increasing number of succession disputes threatening national peace and stability.

He emphasised that peace and effective leadership are indispensable to national development, urging traditional areas across the country to adopt the Yagbon model of paramount ascendency to ensure orderly and conflict-free chieftaincy transitions.

Speaking on the festival’s theme, “Preserving Our Heritage, Protecting Our Future,” Okuapemhene Odehyie Kwasi Akufo III underscored the importance of unity and togetherness in safeguarding the nation’s heritage for future generations.

He also called for decisive action to end illegal mining, warning that its devastating effects pose a serious threat to Ghana’s cultural and environmental legacy.