{
  "id": 3725792,
  "title": "I will respect constitutional limits on chieftaincy matters – Ayariga",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/i-will-respect-constitutional-limits-on-chieftaincy-matters-ayariga",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-27T11:23:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/i-will-respect-constitutional-limits-on-chieftaincy-matters-ayariga/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has assured Parliament that he will honor the constitutional constraints of his position and not interfere in chieftaincy matters if confirmed by the legislature. Testifying before Parliament's Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, Ayariga emphasized that ministers of state lack the constitutional authority to interfere in traditional leadership matters. He clarified that his role would be to support Ghana's recognized chieftaincy institutions, rather than become entangled in disputes within their purview. According to Ayariga, \"No minister of state has authority under our Constitution to interfere or meddle in chieftaincy matters.\" The minister's constitutional and legal obligations do not make him a judge in disputes involving traditional authorities. Instead, his duty is to provide support services to the institutions responsible for chieftaincy affairs, including the National House of Chiefs, the Regional Houses of Chiefs, and traditional councils. Ayariga stressed that the Chieftaincy Act and the Constitution impose these duties on ministers. He stressed that while the government must ensure the effective functioning of traditional institutions, this does not grant ministers the power to decide or influence chieftaincy disputes. Ayariga was firm in his stance, stating that as minister, he would not interfere in chieftaincy matters. The National House of Chiefs, Regional Houses of Chiefs, and traditional councils would retain their central roles in handling chieftaincy matters, while the courts would maintain their judicial authority where appropriate. At the same time, the minister would still be responsible for meeting the government's obligations towards the recognized traditional institutions. Ayariga reiterated his commitment to abide by the constitutional boundaries he had outlined.",
  "summary": "Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has pledged to respect the constitutional limits of his office and refrain from interfering in chieftaincy matters if approved by Parliament.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Ministers have no business meddling in chieftaincy disputes – Ayariga",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/ministers-have-no-business-meddling-in-chieftaincy-disputes-ayariga",
        "published": "2026-08-27T12:40:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}