Yagbonwura Calls for United Guan Council of Chiefs to Drive Development

His Royal Majesty Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, has called for the establishment of a United Guan Council of Chiefs to promote unity, preserve Guan culture and advance inclusive development across Guan communities in Ghana.

The call was made during the 2026 Guan Annual Congress at Anum, where the Yagbonwura was represented by Jira Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II.

According to a statement issued by the Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA), Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II led a delegation of more than 200 Gonja representatives to the congress, including traditional leaders, Queen Mothers, youth leaders and GLYA executives.

The congress brought together chiefs, Members of Parliament, Ministers of State, District Chief Executives, government officials, youth leaders and representatives of Guan communities from different parts of the country.

Yagbonwura Identifies Three Key Priorities

The Yagbonwura's proposal centred on the need for stronger coordination among Guan traditional authorities and communities.

Three key priorities were highlighted:

• Official recognition and respect for Guan identity
• Equitable and inclusive development
• Protection of Guan lands, culture and heritage

The Yagbonwura also called for increased investment in the youth, stressing the importance of creating opportunities that can enable young people to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.

He further urged traditional leaders to remain neutral and continue to serve as a unifying force within their communities.

Why a United Guan Council Matters

The proposed council could provide a common platform through which Guan traditional authorities and communities can engage on issues affecting their collective interests.

Such a structure could also strengthen collaboration on cultural preservation, land and heritage protection, youth development and broader socioeconomic development.

For communities spread across different parts of Ghana, greater coordination among traditional leaders could provide an avenue for addressing shared concerns while preserving their distinct cultural identity.

Gonja Delegation Participates in Guan Congress

The participation of the Gonja delegation was described by GLYA as an important contribution to the broader discussions on Guan unity and development.

The association expressed appreciation to Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I for his support and to Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II for leading the delegation.

GLYA also acknowledged the contribution of Yiram Kongwura Adamu Seidu Jinkurge, traditional leaders, Queen Mothers, youth groups, its executives and other supporters who helped facilitate the delegation's participation in the congress.

The association said it remains committed to strengthening collaboration with Guan communities in the pursuit of unity, peace, cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The proposed United Guan Council of Chiefs now places greater attention on the role traditional authorities can play in coordinating the interests of Guan communities and supporting inclusive development.

Global Pulse GH will continue to monitor developments surrounding the proposal and its potential implications for Guan traditional leadership and community development in Ghana.