President John Dramani Mahama has attributed many of Ghana's chieftaincy disputes to corruption among some kingmakers, urging traditional authorities to strengthen succession systems to preserve peace and stability.

Speaking when the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs paid a courtesy call on him at the Presidency in Accra on Wednesday, President Mahama commended the region for maintaining relative peace despite growing insecurity across the wider Sahel.

However, he expressed concern about the increasing number of chieftaincy conflicts in parts of the country, arguing that many of them stem from the failure to adhere to established succession arrangements.

"Our kingmakers have become corrupt. And so even though they know who the rightful person is, a big envelope can change their minds," the President claimed.

He further alleged that financial inducements have, in some instances, influenced the selection of traditional leaders.

"They go and bring somebody who has absolutely nothing to do with the royal family and want to install the person as the leader of the traditional area. And that is what creates the conflicts," he stated.

He praised the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs for its contribution to peace in the region and encouraged traditional leaders to continue serving as custodians of stability and development.

The President also reiterated his administration's commitment to working closely with traditional authorities to promote national development, strengthen local governance and sustain peace across the country.