Chieftaincy Disputes Threaten Ghana’s Stability, Warns UFO

Story by Fada Amakye

Ghana’s peace and stability are under threat from rising chieftaincy disputes and politically motivated violence, according to the Universal Friendship Organisation’s (UFO) 2024-2025 Peace and Unity Survey. Despite the country’s reputation for democratic resilience and peaceful transitions, localized conflicts are on the rise, with chieftaincy disputes being the leading cause.

The National Peace Council has identified 190 active hotspots nationwide, with over 500 ethnic and chieftaincy disputes pending in courts. Recent clashes, such as the Bawku conflict between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities in July 2025, have resulted in military intervention and curfews. The Gbiniyiri clashes in the Savannah Region in August 2025 claimed 31 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people.

Chieftaincy disputes are fueled by historical rivalries, contested land ownership, and succession struggles. Furthermore, the politicization of local disputes, especially chieftaincy issues, continues to pose a serious risk to national peace. Pre-election clashes and mass protests over alleged electoral irregularities have also resulted in injuries and arrests.

The UFO is urging the government, traditional authorities, and civil society to prioritize conflict resolution and community dialogue to prevent further loss of lives and disruption of social and economic development.

Ghana cannot afford to take its stability for granted, and urgent action is needed to address these disputes.