In the context of development and underdevelopment,critically

assess chiefs and chieftaincy institutions in Ghana

The chieftaincy institution has generally proven to be more resolute than

many in the school of modernization ,people thought.The school holds the
view that the increasing urbanization,industrialisation and emergence of a
multi-ethnic society and an educated elite less rooted in their traditional
beliefs and practices,the chieftaincy institution is bound to gradually lose
its relevance within African context(cf Dzorgbo 1998;Harrison
1998).However,in contrary to this view,the post colonial era has seen a
comeback chieftaincy in many African countries,including Ghana.Large
sections of the population,particularly those in the rural areas,have
renewed their faith in thechieftaincy institution and continue to show
commitment and support to the institution.This is particularly the case
amongst the the highly centralized and hierarachically-organised
chiefdoms and kingdoms like those of the Ashanti,Gonja,Dagbon,and
Mamprusi where devotion to chieftaincy is particularly high and becoming
a chief is cherished(Anamzoya 2004,MacGaffey 2006;Brempong
2000,Tonah 2010)

Chieftaincy institution has remained popular and continues to be a source

of power highly regarded not only in their traditional areas but also at the
national level(Ayee 2006,Gyapong 2006).

During the colonial times,chiefs were those who were ruling their
subjects.They controlled their territories and it was only chiefs who had
authority over their subjects.They were and are the custodians of the
lands.The chiefs can influence the people.Because the chieftaincy
institution was and is still powerful,some chiefs were appointed for
political positions as ministers,advisors,ambassadors and many others
while some also served in many of the public corporations and
boards.The appointment of chiefs into national political positions further
expanded the role of chiefs beyond their traditional areas into various
aspects of national life.Today,being a chief is seen as the springboard to
visibility in the society and an avenue to power,prestige,and wealth
having a chieftaincy title,particularly that of a high traditional office,has
become a means through which persons ca n be appointed onto boards of
government institutions such as the police and prison councils,and several
statutory and non-statutory boards.(Brempong 2006;Brobbey 2008;Hagan
2006)

In the view of development,chiefs play important roles.Example,Otumfuo

Osei Tutu after ascending the throne of the Asante Kingdom came out
with the schorlarship scheme called the Otumfuo Educational Fund.The
scheme is aimed to give support to students who are needy but brilliant
so that they can continue their education since these needy but brilliant
students form part of the nations human resources which will contribute
meaningfully to the national development.

Moreover,the chieftaincy institution settles disputes among subjects.Some

powers have been vested into the chieftaincy to mediate between its
subjects.Settling of disputes means litigants can resume their offices and
perform their responsibilities.This is because they will not waste time on
staying away from their jobs but go on with their duties and work to
promote national development.

The chieftaincy institution has gained some popularity and

prestige,Even,it has been boosted by increasing numbers of highly
educated and prominent persons clamouring for high traditional office
such as those of the divisional or paramount chief or even that of the King
of a traditional area.Brempong(2000) has analyzed this trend of the elite’s
crave for chieftaincy positions among the Ashanti of central Ghana and
concludes that most of the occupants of high chieftaincy positions are
persons with high academic and professional qualifications.The crave for
the chieftaincy titles by the elite has become a common phenomenon
with many now carrying high sounding titles like Nana or Chief Doctor or
Naa Professor and so on.He further concludes that highly educated
persons who have links with local and national governments as well
aswith representatives of foreign governments,international development
organizations or non-governmental organizations and can therefore
mobilize resources for their traditional areas are the preferred choice for
high chieftaincy positions(Brempong 2001;Awedoba 2006;Tonah 2010).In
many parts of the country,there is also a preference forprominent
individuals to serve as “development chiefs” so that they can use their
influence and networks to bring development projects to their
communities.

Chieftaicy positions,particularly those involving high traditional titles are

not only prestigious but offer the occupant numerous avenues for
acquiring wealth as well as opportunities to expand their social network
among the political,educated and business elite in the country.

REFERENCES

Ghana Social Science Journal

Tonah,S (2009) Contemporary Social Problems in

Ghana.