Ghana: Bono Chiefs Appeal for Diplomatic Passports to Protect Dignity

11 February 2026
Ghanaian Times (Accra)

The Bono Regional House of Chiefs has appealed to the government to grant diplomatic passports to traditional rulers to protect their dignity, status, and cultural heritage.

The chiefs say current security procedures at international airports often subject them to undignified treatment.

The appeal was made when the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, paid a working visit to the Bono Regional House of Chiefs in Sunyani on Friday as part of his nationwide familiarisation tour.

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

The President of the House, Nana Owusu Sakyi III, said the request was not about convenience but about preserving the dignity of the Chieftaincy institution and Ghana's cultural heritage. He also commended the Mahama administration for investing in education in the region.

Related Articles

Mr Ibrahim described the request as "worthy," noting that diplomatic passports would ensure chiefs are treated with courtesy at airports.

"It is not good for chiefs to remove their regalia and rings at airports. Undressing a paramount chief for travel is not right," he said.

He assured the chiefs that he would convey their concerns to President John Dramani Mahama and reiterated the government's commitment to working closely with traditional authorities to promote local development.

By Cynthia Asampana

Follow Ghanaian Times WhatsApp Channel today. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q

Trusted News. Real Stories. Anytime, Anywhere.

Join our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q

Read the original article on Ghanaian Times.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2026 Ghanaian Times. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.