The government is considering the issuance of diplomatic passports to chiefs to preserve their dignity and uphold traditional customs during international travel, the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Ahmed Ibrahim, has said.
Speaking to the media after a meeting with the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, the minister explained that the request for diplomatic passports was based on protocol, ethics, and respect for customs and tradition, rather than personal benefit.
According to the Banda Member of Parliament, diplomatic passports would help ensure that chiefs are treated with the respect their status deserves when travelling abroad, particularly at ports of entry where traditional regalia and customs may otherwise be misunderstood.
“It is not for enjoyment but to protect customs and tradition, so that chiefs are treated with the dignity their office deserves,” he said, adding that the President would be briefed on the request.
Beyond the passport issue, the minister disclosed that the President has taken several steps to improve the welfare of traditional authorities and strengthen their role in governance.
He said the President conveyed his appreciation to chiefs and traditional institutions for their support and prayers throughout 2025, and appealed for their continued guidance and prayers for 2026.
Ahmed Ibrahim announced that the President has increased the monthly allowances of chiefs and approved a 300 per cent increase in monthly allowances for traditional council premium margins.
He also revealed that quarterly allowances for Judicial Committee members at the Regional Houses of Chiefs have been increased by 67 per cent, from 30,000 to 50,000, to support effective adjudication of cases.
In addition, the minister said outstanding allowances for assembly members, amounting to 100,000 for the past five months, have been fully released.
The visit also served to brief the chiefs on government efforts to restore the six original Regional Houses of Chiefs and to seek their participation in governance initiatives, particularly the 24-hour economy market construction agenda.
Mr. Ibrahim described the engagement as a “worthy call” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with traditional authorities as key partners in national development.
