The Emergence of Queen Mothers in Northern Ghana: An Alien Concept Threatening the Chieftaincy Institution

The concept of queen mothers, a traditional institution prevalent in southern Ghana, is increasingly gaining prominence in northern Ghana. While this may appear progressive on the surface, it raises significant concerns about cultural authenticity and its potential to disrupt the delicate balance of the chieftaincy institution in the region.

Historically, the idea of queen mothers has been alien to the socio-political structures of northern Ghana, and its sudden introduction threatens to ignite new layers of conflict within the chieftaincy framework. There are already a pocket of conflicts here and there as to who is the properly enskined chief in one village, town or the other. Therefore, the idea of queen mothers is to create another avenue for conflicts in the northern part of Ghana.

The chieftaincy system in northern Ghana is deeply rooted in patriarchal traditions that define leadership roles and responsibilities. Chiefs, tindaaba (land custodians), and elders constitute the core of traditional governance, with clearly delineated roles. Unlike the Akan tradition, where queen mothers play a pivotal role in governance and decision-making, northern Ghana's traditional systems have never institutionalized such a position. Instead, women have historically contributed to community welfare through informal advisory roles or as active participants in socio-economic activities.

The growing push for queen mothers in northern Ghana appears to be influenced by external cultural practices and modern advocacy for gender inclusivity. However, this movement overlooks the region's cultural uniqueness. The introduction of queen mothers into northern Ghanaian chieftaincy systems is not an organic evolution but an imposition, which risks eroding the authenticity of the region's traditional practices.There is therefore a need to take a second look at it and the negative impacts that it might bring to our culture. Though it is good to allow women to contribute to soci-eco- political activities within the region, we should be worried about the other side of the coin.

The lack of historical precedent for queen mothers in the region makes their integration a challenge. Many communities are struggling to understand how to incorporate this new role without disrupting the existing hierarchy. This situation is creating friction among traditional leaders, elders, and the general populace, as the role of queen mothers often comes with significant power and influence.

The chieftaincy institution in northern Ghana has long been plagued by conflicts arising from land disputes, succession controversies, and power struggles. The introduction of queen mothers could add a new dimension to these challenges. Questions about the legitimacy of queen mothers, their selection processes, and their roles within the traditional framework are likely to spark more disputes. We my not see it now, but it will not also be long before we begin to have issues with this strange cultural process.

Furthermore, the creation of queen mother positions may lead to competition for resources and authority, particularly in regions where traditional leaders already face challenges in maintaining unity. This could further polarize communities and destabilize the institution.

While the advocacy for gender inclusion in traditional leadership is commendable, it should be pursued within the framework of existing cultural norms. Northern Ghana has its own mechanisms for involving women in leadership, which can be strengthened without importing foreign concepts. For instance, women can be empowered as community development leaders, advisors, or custodians of cultural