The Chieftaincy Institution Is Fast losing Its Relevance.

Once a powerful institution that wielded immense influence and authority, the chieftaincy institution ensured that the customs, cultures, and traditions of the people were well protected. Unfortunately, many of the moral values, customs, and traditions bequeathed to the current occupants of stools and skins have been desecrated, rendering this sacred institutions weak.

Many chiefs have lost the capacity to serve as worthy custodians of the customs, cultures, and traditions of their people. Sadly, the moral degeneration in society can largely be attributed to the breakdown of these values and traditions.

Regrettably, little is being done to revive this noble institution. Instead, some chiefs, in collaboration with political actors, appear more interested in undermining and bastardising the chieftaincy institution for their own selfish interests.

These individuals have contributed significantly to conflicts within the institution. In many cases, such conflicts are sustained because they serve the interests of those involved, with little regard for the consequences of violence, loss of lives, disruption of development, and threats to national peace.

The institution has also been infiltrated by unscrupulous individuals, making it increasingly difficult for rightful heirs to ascend to the throne. This has become a major source of chieftaincy disputes. While such disputes arise from various causes, succession remains the most common, often worsened by political interference and the sidelining of legitimate heirs.

Disturbingly, chieftaincy is gradually being turned into a commercial enterprise, where stools and skins are effectively “sold” to the highest bidder, individuals who may lack royal lineage but possess the financial means to influence kingmakers.

It is even more troubling that some highly educated chiefs, who are expected to uphold and consolidate the values handed down by our forebears, have instead deviated from these principles.

As a result, the chieftaincy institution is steadily losing its relevance due to the conduct of some traditional leaders. Many have remained indifferent while lands and water bodies under their authority are destroyed by illegal mining activities. In some instances, chiefs are even alleged to be complicit in this environmental degradation, to the detriment of their own people.

Ironically, while some traditional leaders tolerate the destruction of lands by illegal miners, they strongly resist ordinary citizens who seek to use the same land for farming to feed the nation. In effect, some have mortgaged Ghanaian values for personal gain.

Today, we risk losing our identity as a people. Our customs and traditions have been eroded, leaving us confused and directionless, uncertain of our collective future.

Mike kalley
Sociopolitical Analyst.