CHAPTER 2 the chieftaincy institution and chiefs in state and society; and in conflict prevention, resolution and management in Ghana, particularly at lower (regional, municipal, metropolitan and district) levels of government. Despite attempts to modernise the chieftaincy institution in Ghana, and the generous provisions in the 1992 Constitution to protect its independence, CRM consultations have shown that it is beset with serious problems. These arise from conflicts engendered by chieftaincy succession issues, and from the wider cultural, legal, political and socio-economic roles of chieftaincy institutions in state and society. 23. In the regions, particularly during stakeholders' consultations in Ashanti, Ho and Wa, chiefs present and the audience complained about the many unresolved chieftaincy issues pending in the Regional Houses of Chiefs. Among the obstacles are the dearth of lawyers attached to these Houses to give them legal advice, and the irregularity of meetings and sittings of their judicial committees. 24. Many stakeholders pointed to the need to codify customary law and rules of chieftaincy succession to reduce chieftaincy and land disputes. Some stakeholders, highlighted the operational difficulties between the traditional administration of justice and judicial administration under the common law, and the need for clarification of mandates and roles. 25. There are conflicting views on the political roles of chiefs. Some would like to see chiefs play an active policy advisory and consultative role, particularly at the lower levels of government (regional and district levels). Others feel that such a role might involve them in partisan politics and compromise their cultural position as “fathers” of their people. iii. Recommendations 26. The Panel recommends the Government of Ghana, with the assistance of relevant stakeholders, to: ? ? ? 20 Continue to review the institution of chieftaincy to make it more responsive to the needs and demands of the rapidly changing Ghanaian society, and to the aspirations of people across the gender divide. Enhance the capacities of the National, Regional and Traditional Houses of Chiefs so they can discharge their constitutional mandates more efficiently. Adopt a time-framed programme for clearing the backlog of cases awaiting