The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has stressed the indispensable role of the church and traditional authorities in Ghana’s governance and development agenda.

Delivering an address on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the opening session of the All Ministers’ Conference organised by the Church of Pentecost at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Mr Ibrahim argued that the country’s governance system cannot be restricted to the executive, legislature, judiciary and media alone.

He maintained that both religion and chieftaincy must be formally acknowledged within the framework of governance.

“As a publisher and writer who has written extensively about governance in Ghana, we often refer to the three arms of government, with the media described as the fourth. But where is the place of religion, or the institution of chieftaincy? If a human being had four arms but no feet, could that person stand?” he questioned.

He further stressed that, according to scripture, God remains the ultimate head of the nation, and politicians must therefore recognise His authority in statecraft.

Mr Ibrahim urged stakeholders to appreciate and embrace their unique contributions to nation-building, insisting that Ghana’s transformation and sustainable development hinge on effectively integrating religious and traditional leadership into governance.

“The chiefs are the custodians of the land, and the church remains at the centre of our national life. If all take up their rightful positions, this country will indeed be transformed into a changed nation,” he concluded.