Chieftaincy and Politics in Ghana Since 1982

Abstract

In pre-colonial times, chieftancy constituted the axis for the exercise of executive, legislative and judicial powers. Since the colonial era, the institution has been linked to the politics of Ghana. Various governments – colonial, civilian or military have in one way or the other tried to influence the role of chiefs in political affairs. There have been significant changes, therefore, in the powers of chiefs both at the local and national levels on account of frequent intervention in the mode of representation and administration in the country by the central government. Consequently, the overall powers and authority of chiefs have experienced ebbs and flows depending on regime preferences and dynamic changes in the chieftancy institution itself.