The Role of Traditional Leaders in the Political Life of West Africa: The Case of Ghana

Abstract

Relations between the political center and traditional authorities in post-colonial West Africa have varied across countries throughout the post-colonial period, but almost all states in the region have witnessed a resurgence of the institution of chiefdom, both formal and informal, since the 1980s. This was partly due to the introduction of constitutional amendments that expanded and strengthened official powers of traditional leaders. Another reason was the inability of the state to provide the necessary services to citizens, which prompted the latter to turn increasingly to the traditional authorities. One way or another, the experience of traditional leaders and their ability to make responsible decisions at local level have become relevant again. Ghana is among the countries where transformations of the institution of chiefdom, its ups and downs, have been most noticeable during the periods of decolonization and independent development. During the colonial period, many traditional leaders in Ghana strengthened their positions through cooperation with the authorities, but then lost their status and privileges at the constitutional level during the presidency of Kwame Nkrumah. After his overthrow in 1966, traditional leaders regained power, which they have kept until today with varying success. The institution of chiefdom in Ghana has formed over the past hundred years in the struggle for survival, power and control over local resources. The present chapter is devoted to the current state of this institution.