Indigenous People, Leadership and Development: The Role of Chieftaincy Institution in the Development of Ghana

This paper explores the institution of chieftaincy in Ghana and assesses its relevance and contribution to national development. Chieftaincy institution in Ghana dates back in history and it is associated with movement of people from different places to the present day Ghana. The British who colonized the Gold Coast recognized its uniqueness and made use of it in what become known as indirect rule. Because of the important role the chieftaincy institution plays in the lives of the people, the institution has been given due recognition by successive governments and constitutions since independence in 1957. Primarily, the function of the chief was to rule for social stability, cohesion and order, as well as to bring development to the people. More importantly, the Chieftaincy institution remained an important focal point for grassroots mobilization, and an instrument for social cohesion. This paper reaffirms the relevance of the chieftaincy institution in national development notwithstanding the rapid modernization and the socio-economic changes taking place in modern day Ghana. Keywords: Chieftaincy, Traditional Authorities, Community, Development, Natural Resource