Our chieftaincy/traditional institutions wielded so much power before the arrival of the Europeans to the Gold Coast in the 15th Century. Although the chieftaincy institution has undergone changes over the years, it still remains a significant component in our governance system.
Ghana’s current system of decentralised local government is closely linked to the institution of chieftaincy, and an overview of the current decentralised public administration process would, therefore, be incomplete without acknowledging the historical contributions of the chieftaincy institution to local governance and democracy.
According to the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the institution of chieftaincy and its traditional councils is guaranteed.
Indeed, the chieftaincy institution has endured from the pre-colonial to post-independence period in Ghana. Much as some chieftaincy conflicts have raised their ugly heads in Ghana’s democratic dispensation, the overall picture has been positive.
However, one chieftaincy conflict that seems to have dragged on over the years is finding the rightful successor to the Ga Mashie throne. The ongoing chieftaincy conflict in the Greater Accra Region, which hosts the nation’s capital, has become a Sword of Damocles threatening the very survival of traditional authority and power.
The kinship or chieftaincy system in Accra has become nothing, but chaotic. Of course, the people cannot be totally faulted for this unholy chieftaincy mayhem, as opportunistic politicians, prowling like bugs, feed on their weakness to score cheap political points. This can be traced from the days of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, till date.
The demise of Boni Nii Amugi II, whose peaceful reign as Ga Mantse ended in 2004, started the controversy that has been lit for the past 16 years.
At a certain time, the Ga chieftaincy institution was turned into mockery with close to 10 individuals claiming legitimacy to the stool.
As people of a patriarchal society, no female has a chance to be Ga Mantse, hence, able persons like Dr Blankson (late), George Tackie Abia, Nii Tackie Obilie, aka Ayittey Canada (late), Dr Kevin Tackie and others are known names that were thrown about the throne.
George Tackie Abia, known in public life as Boni Nii Tackie Adama Latse II, according to the records, had been gazetted as the Ga Mantse, which automatically makes him the President of the Ga Traditional Council. This is also being challenged.
The Supreme Court, on two different occasions, had to dismiss decisions of smaller courts, regarding a suit challenging the legitimacy of the Ga Mantse.
The Chronicle wants to put it on record that it has no interest in the chieftaincy matter or does it support any of the contending parties, however, one thing that we are sure about is for peace to reign, due to the strategic political and economic location of the Greater Accra Region.
The divided and fragile front of the Ga chieftaincy issue is not helping matters, bearing in mind that the chieftaincy institution is a major development vehicle that needs to be protected and preserved.
It is important that we all rally behind the rightfully chosen leader, as all the contenders cannot be King. Remember, it is just one stool and one crown.
Enough of the chieftaincy mayhem on Ga land!
The post Editorial: Enough of the chieftaincy mayhem among the Ga! appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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