Stools For Sale: Balancing Tradition And Wealth, The Ghanaian Experience

Chieftaincy is a cornerstone of any nation's social and political landscape. It is the one fabric that transcends generations. Chiefs are seen as the epitome of leadership, wisdom, and integrity, they are revered in the society due to the very rigorous process of identifying, appointing, electing and installation. From the period preceding colonialism up to today, Chiefs have been pivotal in developing societies. The construction of roads, bridges, markets, schools, provision of water and other social amenities were all championed by chiefs who were also seen as promotors of cultural heritage and maintained social order. In modern day Ghana, some Chiefs have setup educational funds, sanitation and other developmental fund projects as a way of augmenting the development agenda of the government.

However, the process of selecting chiefs has come under scrutiny, with concerns that financial power is eclipsing traditional lineage and qualifications eroding all the reverence associated with chieftaincy.

Traditionally, Chiefs are chosen based on lineage, their qualifications, and with the approval of kingmakers – individuals or groups vested with the authority to select.

1. According to section 57 (1) of the chieftaincy act, 759 OF 2008, "A chief is a person who, hailing from the appropriate family and lineage, has been validly nominated, elected or selected and enstooled, enskinned or installed as a chief or queen mother in accordance with the relevant customary law and usage."

The selection process typically involves the following steps:

Identification of Eligible Candidates: The queen mother together with the family head identify potential individuals based on their lineage, character, achievements and suitability and present the candidates to the Kingmakers.

Consultation with the Community: The kingmakers consult with the community to ensure the chosen candidate has the support and acceptance of the people having established the hereditary of the candidates from the royal family.

Selection by the Kingmakers: The kingmakers select the most suitable candidate based on traditional criteria, physical condition, character and high moral integrity.

Installation Ceremony: The chosen candidate is installed as the new chief through a traditional ceremony, which involves the swearing of oath, symbolizing transfer of authority and responsibility, after satisfying all conditions.

As noted by Dr. Kwame Addo, a renowned Ghanaian scholar, in his book The Ghanaian Chieftaincy System: A Historical Perspective (2010):

"Chiefs are the embodiment of our cultural heritage, and their selection must reflect our values and traditions." (Addo, 2010, p. 12)

The Intrusion of Wealth: A Cause for Concern

In recent times, however, financial resources have become a significant factor in the selection processes at times to the detriment of the traditional considerations including the royal lineage of the chosen. Some argue that wealthy personalities who are not even of the royal lineage are able to sway kingmakers through gifts, sponsorships, or even outright bribery. This shift is particularly concerning as the cost of fulfilling a chief's duties, including funding community development projects and even the high cost of the enstoolment process has risen significantly.

As aptly expressed by Dr. Kwame Poku, a sociologist at the University of Ghana, Legon: "Chieftaincy is not an auction. The best person for the job shouldn't be the one with the deepest pockets".

The erosion of traditional values due to the influence of money can have serious consequences.

• Undermined Public Trust: When chiefs are perceived to have "bought" their positions, public trust in the legitimacy of the chieftaincy institution suffers. This can lead to disengagement and a breakdown in the traditional system of governance eroding any form of reverence.
• Self-serving Leadership: Chiefs chosen based on wealth may prioritize personal gain over the collective good of the community. This can lead to neglect of the community's needs and a decline in overall well-being. As warned by Dr. Addo in an interview with Citi News (November 20^th, 2020):

"If we allow wealth to dictate chieftaincy selection, we risk losing the very essence of our cultural heritage." (Citi News, 2020)

Charting a Course Forward: Solutions for a Sustainable Chieftaincy System

It is an irrefutable to say that chieftaincy has come to stay hence the need to find alternative ways to fund it in order to preserve the rich tapestry.

Money cannot be taken out of the institution so:

Codifying lines of succession for all stools is a sure way of ensuring that the wright people are enstooled.

Enforcing strict customary laws and practices in the chieftaincy governance is another sure bet to limiting the financial influence in the selection and insolation processes. state funding. The state must invest some of the proceeds from the natural resources to fund the activities of the Chiefs. This will reduce the out of pocket funding by the Chiefs and also promote a fare balance of accountability.

Transparency and Accountability: Increased transparency and accountability in the selection process can help restore public trust. This could involve publishing a shortlist of candidates and their qualifications as well as their lineage, along with clear explanations for the final selection.

As Nana Ama Agyeiwaa, a queen mother in the Asante Region, proposes in an interview with the Ghanaian Times. (2022, January 10): "We need to find ways to empower our Chiefs without compromising the integrity of the system". Transparent selection processes and a diversified funding approach are key.

Conclusion
Preserving the integrity of the chieftaincy institution is vital for Ghana's social and cultural cohesion. By ensuring that chieftaincy selection upholds traditional values while acknowledging the need for development resources, Ghana can safeguard this important institution for future generations. It is imperative that we act to address the influence of wealth in chieftaincy selection and prioritize the qualities that truly matter – lineage, qualifications, and a commitment to serving the community. In the words of Dr. Kwame Addo: "Chiefs must remain symbols of our cultural heritage, reflecting the values and traditions that have sustained us for generations." (Addo, 2010, p. 25)

BY: FRANCIS A. MARLEY