The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), Ahmed Ibrahim, has said that the restoration of peace in the Sunyani Traditional Area is a major step toward renewed development and investment in the area.

He said the return of calm would create a conducive environment for business activities and enable the government to effectively implement its development agenda within the municipality.

The Minister made these remarks when the Sunyani Traditional Council paid a courtesy call on the Ministry to express appreciation for the Ministry’s role in resolving the long-standing chieftaincy dispute in the area.

Mr. Ibrahim noted that the conflict, which involved two factions aligned with the Paramount Chief and the Paramount Queenmother, had lingered for some time and affected unity within the traditional area.

He explained that the Ministry facilitated a resolution process using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, incorporating both traditional and administrative approaches to bring the parties together.

The Minister indicated that both sides had since begun implementing a mutually agreed roadmap aimed at sustaining the peace process, a development he described as encouraging for the future of the traditional area.

He stressed: “Traditional authorities are critical partners in governance. Without their cooperation and support, it becomes difficult to achieve meaningful development at the local level”

“The renewed unity between the two factions is a welcome development for the government and the people of Sunyani.”

He commended the leadership of the traditional area for prioritizing peace and urged them to remain committed to the roadmap that has been outlined to ensure lasting harmony.

Mr. Ibrahim reiterated the government’s continued support for development initiatives in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional authorities, Odeefuor Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, the President of the Sunyani Traditional Council and Paramount Chief of Sunyani, expressed profound gratitude to the President and the Ministry for their intervention in resolving the impasse.

He added that the successful mediation had brought renewed hope to the people of Sunyani and positioned the traditional area to pursue a more prosperous future.

Both the Paramount Chief and the Paramount Queenmother assured the Minister of their commitment to work together in unity and to promote peace and development within the Sunyani Traditional Area.