Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of chieftaincy disputes, drug abuse among the youth, and the persistent operations of inland immigration checkpoints in the region.
Addressing the first general meeting of the House in the year in Ho on Friday July 18, Togbe Tepre Hodo, also Paramount Chief of Anfoega Traditional Area revealed that a report presented by the Registrar of the House indicates that 69 chieftaincy disputes are currently pending before the various Traditional Councils and the Regional House itself.
He lamented that some of these disputes are triggered by the chiefs themselves.
“It is unfortunate that rival chiefs are installing stools that are already occupied. Unless a sitting chief is validly destooled or has passed away, no one has the right to enstool a replacement. This is unlawful, unacceptable, and a major contributor to the instability in our traditional governance,” he emphasised.
Togbe urged fellow chiefs to intensify public education in their communities on the proper procedures for destoolment and succession.
“If you believe a chief should no longer hold office, the right thing to do is to prepare charges and follow due process. But simply going ahead to install another chief is a major source of conflict in the region. Let us be vigilant and prevent such acts from recurring,” he advised.
Togbe Tepre Hodo also raised alarm over increasing levels of drug abuse in the region, especially among young people.
He noted that the passage of the Narcotic Control Commission Act, which allows the cultivation of a specific species of cannabis for medicinal purposes, has been widely misunderstood.
“People are cultivating all kinds of marijuana strains for recreational purposes, not medicinal use. It’s become so bad that even schoolchildren are abandoning their education to work on these farms,” he said.
He added that new forms of drug abuse are emerging, including the use of a substance referred to as ‘Red’.
“I hear some of these drugs make people fall asleep while standing. It’s shocking and very dangerous. Minister, please help us protect our future. If we don’t stop this now, we may lose an entire generation,” he warned.
Togbe again called on the Regional Minister to urgently address the continued presence of inland immigration checkpoints at Sogakope, Asikuma, and Juapong.
He described the practice of making passengers disembark and walk across checkpoints as humiliating and unacceptable.
“I’ve never seen this in any other region. We are not in a police state. These checkpoints must go by. Immigration officers must return to their proper border entry points. Their presence inland suggests they are failing at their core responsibilities,” he stressed.
He cited a recent incident where a local traveler refused to disembark, insisting on his right as a Ghanaian citizen.
“This is embarrassing and dehumanizing. We are not in a state of emergency, and the excuse of Western Togoland secessionism no longer exists. Minister, this must end under your watch,” he said.
Togbe Tepre Hodo also appealed for greater engagement between the Volta House of Chiefs and the Volta Parliamentary Caucus. He lamented that previous invitations for collaboration were not honored.
“We need our MPs to work closely with us. They hold critical positions in government, and their support is vital for regional development. Some of them don’t even return calls. That is not acceptable. Let’s put politics aside and work together for the progress of our people,” he urged.
He commended recent efforts under the new administration and reiterated his belief that traditional authorities must support the government of the day.
“This is not about politics, it’s about Ghana. Let’s contribute ideas, collaborate, and move forward as one nation,” he concluded.
In response, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, assured the House that their concerns had been noted and pledged to take action to address them.
He stated that his visit, along with all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs), would not be a “nine-day wonder,” but rather a demonstration of commitment to continued dialogue with traditional leaders.
Mr. Gunu expressed gratitude for the support of the chiefs during the 2024 general elections, his own vetting and appointment as Regional Minister, and the confirmation of the MDCEs.
He also thanked the House for its role in the election of the Council of State representatives.
He emphasised that the merger of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs under the current government is intended to restore the dignity of traditional leadership and deepen collaboration for development.
“We are here to pledge our loyalty and readiness to work together for the development of our beloved Volta Region,” he affirmed.
The meeting was attended by H.E. Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, Volta Regional Representative to the Council of State; the majority of MDCEs; regional executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); presidential appointees from the region; and other notable personalities.
Also present was the Organizing Committee for the 2025 Volta Trade and Investment Fair, which announced that the 10-day event will take place in November this year.
The session concluded with renewed pledges for unity, development, and responsible leadership in the region.