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Political interference is destroying our chieftaincy institution!
The Chieftaincy institution in Ghana is a system that structures and regulates the activity of local chieftains in the Ghanaian society and the state. It is one of the most respected and enduring traditional institutions in Ghana which has displayed a remarkable resilience from pre-colonial through colonial to post-colonial regimes.
In the past, the role of the chief was to lead the people in a war to defend, protect and extend their territories. The modern role is to combat poverty and other social ills, illiteracy, ignorance, environmental degradation and depletion of resources. These days, chiefs are under pressure to achieve good governance in their traditional areas and are challenged to integrate tradition and modernity, a process about which there is a considerable debate.
THE 1992 CONSTITUTION AND CHIEFTAINCY INSTITUTION
In accordance with Article 271 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 1 of the Chieftaincy Act 759, the National House of Chiefs is the umbrella body that regulates the activities of chiefs in this country. The House consist of five paramount chiefs from each region elected by the Regional House of Chiefs constituted in the various regions in the country. Prior to the creation of six new regions, the total membership of the National House of Chiefs stood at 50. This number is likely to increase with the creation of additional regions in the country.
The role of the chieftaincy institution in the national development as enshrined in the constitution is basically peacekeeping, peace enforcement, peacemaking and peacebuilding. It, therefore, presupposes that peace in general in pre-colonial era, was manifested in the functions of the institution in general and the chief in particular.
CHIEFTAINCY INSTITUTION LOSING RESPECT
Studies have shown that the once revered chieftaincy institution in Ghana has taken a nose dive with persistent conflicts which tend to tear the institution apart. The majority of these conflicts have been concentrated in northern part of the country, which have resulted in violent clashes leading to loss of lives and destruction of property. Notable areas in the north where chieftaincy conflicts have taken major toll on their economies include, Dagbon, Bawku, Bimbilla, Bolga and Bole.
It is also a fact that beyond the contest among royals, chieftaincy conflicts involve other actors such as politicians who use their influence on the people for political power. Politicians and youth groups have all influenced and manipulated chieftaincy conflicts for their own selfish motives. People not related to the chieftaincy contest and, therefore, have nothing to do with the chieftaincy matters sometimes take active interest in some of these conflicts and become embroiled in the escalation of the violence. Candidates for chieftaincy positions rely on the support of local and national political leaders to help them achieve their powers over traditional areas. Their association with the chiefs in the conflicts often comes with a cost.
ROLE OF NPP, NDC IN CHIEFTAINCY CONFLICT
The two main political parties in this country, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), have been identified as major actors in some of these chieftaincy conflicts in the country. It is also important to note that businessmen aligned to these two major parties use their wealth to sponsor some of these conflicts so that they eventually recoup the benefits when their favourite party comes to power.
If these politicians and businessmen will free themselves from fanning these chieftaincy conflicts, the institution will bounce back and regain its former glories as a profound body ready to provide that leadership role to the people.
DRAMA SURROUNDING INSTALLATION OF GA MANTSE
Another interesting development in the Ga State, is the drama surrounding the installation of a Ga Mantse. This particular case has seen a back and forward approach from the High Court to the Supreme Court, which is the final arbiter of the case. So far, there have been three High Court rulings concerning this Ga Chieftaincy issue involving Nii Adama Latse II and Dr Kelvin Tackie, over who is the legitimate occupant of the Ga Mantse stool.
The recent ruling by the Supreme Court was that the various high courts which heard the matter lacked the jurisdiction to adjudicate cases involving chieftaincy and that, the judges should have declined jurisdiction when the matter was brought before them for determination. The five-member bench, therefore, annulled the ruling of Justice Naa Adoley Azu on whose decision the two other judges, Justice Gifty Dekyem and Justice Nicholas Abodakpi also made in their determination of the case.
GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE IN CHIEFTAINCY MATTERS
It is a fact that government after government continues to either back or influence the installation of chiefs in the Ga state, making sure that their favourites are selected to occupy the stool even though they are not yet qualified for the throne. We have experienced that in many of the past regimes and this does not augur well for development. It rather polarizes the people and stalls development and progress.
In order to make the chieftaincy institution sacred and well respected, it is important for ruling governments not to involve themselves in the day to day activities of chiefs who are development agents in their various localities. They can only be consulted to facilitate development among people and under no circumstance should chiefs be allowed to play active roles in politics. The constitution has made it clear that chiefs who are interested in doing politics must abdicate the throne before wearing the political colour.
Currently the government has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on the Bawku municipality and its environs in the Upper East Region following renewed chieftaincy dispute in the area. It has placed a total ban on all persons in the area from carrying arms and ammunition or any offensive weapons. There were gun shots in the Bawku township on Tuesday night of November 23, 2021, resulting in heightened tension. The incident is said to be linked to a planned performance of a “Bawku Chief’s” funeral who died 41 years ago.
SOLUTION TO CHIEFTAINCY CONFLICTS
In resolving chieftaincy disputes, conflicts and stopping their politicization, the various houses of chiefs should be empowered and be the only institution for handling chieftaincy issues. Besides, there is the need to codify the lines of succession of chiefs in our country. Sanctions must also be applied to politicians and other influential personalities who interfere in the chieftaincy institution.
The government must strengthen our chieftaincy institution by providing it with the needed support and resources to serve as agents of change in their localities rather infiltrating into their ranks to divide them and the people. It is equally important for the people to respect that sacred institution and not to allow themselves by politicians and businessmen to use them as guinea pigs while their children are confined in the comfort of their homes enjoying. When you die for the sake of chieftaincy dispute and conflict, you die for nothing and, therefore, you need to reject any move by politicians and businessmen to fight chieftaincy battles with no basis and relevance.
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By Charles Neequaye
Indeed, numerous Ghanaians across the regions, all over Africa, and even people from other parts of the world were struck with sadness and grief upon hearing the sudden passing of the former First Lady of Ghana, Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, which occurred on the black day of Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Very often, it is difficult to believe the death of very high-profile persons in our communities, country, and even across the world, as recently witnessed in the passing of this indefatigable leader.
Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings was the better half of the indomitable former President of Ghana, His Excellency, the late Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, who ruled Ghana for a record period of 18 years.
His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings, alongside his able men like Osahene Boakye Gyan, Akatapore, and other young army officers, shook the political foundations of this country for a brief period from June 4 to the end of September 1979. Following the general election, His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings handed over power to the late President, His Excellency Dr. Hilla Limann of the People’s National Convention (PNC), in a colorful national ceremony amidst pomp and pageantry.
Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings and other colleagues in the Ghana Armed Forces, dissatisfied with the PNC Government’s administration—which was considered volatile at the time—staged another coup to topple the Limann Administration on December 31, 1981. After a successful dispensation, he reassumed the position of Head of State under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), remaining in power until 2000 when, following the general election, he handed over power from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to former President His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
It is noteworthy that from the June 4 period of 1979, stretching up to the 2000 general election, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings was very vocal in Ghana’s political administration.
Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings not only actively supported her husband to realize his political ambitions but also made a lasting impact across Ghana by tirelessly advocating for women’s emancipation in social, economic, and political spheres.
Consider her dynamic role in the formation of the 31st December Women’s Group. She established various food processing industries in multiple towns and villages to empower women economically.
There were countless other initiatives through which she encouraged and benefited not only women but also numerous families, enabling them to lead meaningful lives. For instance, the family home of Nene Kofi Opey-Fiagbor in Adjikpo-Amlakpo, Somanya, was highly privileged to welcome Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings anytime she visited.
On a Saturday in early January 1983, she visited to seek the hand of one of our beautiful sisters, Lucy Kpodjie, for Alex Dautey, who was then one of her husband’s military guards at the Castle in Osu-Accra. How can we, as a family, ever forget such a diligent, graceful, and distinguished person like her in our memories?
Your Excellency, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, your loss is deeply felt and irreplaceable for Mother Ghana. We all join the Rawlings immediate family in Accra, the people of Asanteman, the Keta people of her late husband, and the National Democratic Congress, which she helped found, alongside the President and Government of Ghana, to mourn this loss.
To a highly beloved and illustrious daughter of Ghana: may Mother Earth lie lightly upon your body as your precious soul rests in perfect peace in the bosom of the Good Lord, until the resurrection day when we shall all meet again. Fare thee well!
DAMIRIFA DUE! DUENI AMANEHUNU!
By J. K. Tetteh Kpodjie
Concerned Citizen
Somanya
0557672086
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Sometime ago, money-doubling used to be a very lucrative trade for people who had the skill. But it all depended on the availability of street-lights, which were used as accessories in the money-doubling schemes. The more street-lights that were available, the more likely it was that money would be doubled.
Money has indeed been doubled for people—civil servants, pastors, journalists, and diplomats. People suspected of being naive and carrying cash were conned into believing their money could be doubled without chanting. All they had to do was place their money under a ‘sacred’ stone, then walk in a certain direction, counting ten street-lights in the process without looking back.
“If you look back, you’ll go mad, wallahi!” they were warned, to ensure obedience. After counting the ten street-lights, participants were told to return and collect their doubled money under the ‘divine’ stone with jubilation. And for a moment, it seemed real—the cash appeared doubled. The problem, of course, was that the entire sum was nothing but newspaper cut to fit the currency size. At first, victims would be amazed, thinking they were hallucinating, only to frantically realize the trick. Meanwhile, the money-doublers would vanish miles away with the real cash.
In this era, money-doubling schemes often occur around payday, when people have just received their salaries. Those with ¢80,000 in hand could be tempted with the promise of returning home with ¢160,000. But in reality, many end up empty-handed, learning the harsh lesson of the financial culture of today.
Not long ago, Edward Alomele, who claims he is “Original Alor,” collected his pay and walked leisurely home, planning to celebrate. A wayside lottery operator noticed his bulging back pocket and thought he could easily trick him into handing over the money. But Alor was no amateur when it came to finance.
The lottery man pointed to a display of consumer items—televisions, sound systems, cookers, water heaters—and explained the game. Alor tried a sample ticket and “won” a colour television instantly. However, since he hadn’t staked money, he was told he needed to hand over his pay to claim the prize. Alor, sensing the scam, studied the man’s reaction carefully.
He deliberately wore mismatched footwear—one red canvas shoe and one green—to signal that he was not an easy target. The lottery operator realized his mistake, apologized, and acknowledged that Alor was not a naive newcomer.
Despite widespread reporting on these scams, hundreds of people fall victim every week, losing a significant portion of their salaries. Many prefer to remain silent, ashamed of having been deceived. Some notable individuals, like Devine Ankamah, have managed to dodge these traps through vigilance and experience, but the majority remain vulnerable.
Even pastors and other respected members of society have been duped by money-doublers, proving that awareness alone is often not enough. As Merari Alomele notes, “When shall we ever learn?”
This article was first published on Saturday, August 5, 1995.
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