A Supreme Court Justice, Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, is pushing the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs to finally settle the ongoing Ga Mantse chieftaincy dispute.
Justice Tanko, who also heads the Judicial Training Institute, expressed his shock and concern that both the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs have failed to make a clear ruling, allowing a sensitive dispute to fester and create a potential for conflict.
“We need the Judicial Committee of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs to reach a conclusion and stop managing this sensitive litigation in such a manner, so it doesn’t appear that when a certain political party is in power, someone takes on a role that is contested,” he stated.
He further emphasized that someone needs to emerge as the rightful Ga Mantse, urging the Minister of Local Government and Chieftaincy to instruct the Greater Accra Region to resolve the dispute decisively.
The judge made the remarks at a two-day workshop for the Judicial Committee of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs.
CHIEFS FOR SALE?
Justice Tanko lamented the erosion of the chieftaincy institution’s prestige, citing a concerning trend where individuals with money can become chiefs overnight.
He suggested that people who have money but no royal lineage should be given alternative titles.
“If you are the queen mother of tomato sellers in Agbogloshie, or the chief butcher, you can find a way to have your name submitted… for registration in the National House of Chiefs. Suddenly, you become a chief,” he said, expressing his frustration.
He urged lawyers to remain firm and decisive in their decisions, citing a case where a “chief fisherman” was able to get his name added to the National Register, with both the High Court and Court of Appeal accepting his chieftaincy claim.
He concluded his remarks by urging attendees to serve Ghana and prioritize the public interest over personal gain.
“Never allow persons who think they have money and influence be able to influence the direction of your legal opinions and advice.
At the end of the day, remember that you are working for Ghana, the only homeland we have.”
By Philip Antoh