The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on traditional authorities to distance themselves from politics to attract the needed respect from politicians.
His Majesty, in a meeting with some members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture, and Religious Affairs at the Manhyia Palace on May 13, 2026, stated that chiefs must uphold integrity.
Taking money from politicians, receiving political appointments and getting directly and indirectly involved in politics erases the honour in chieftaincy, he said, adding that such persons find it difficult to speak truth to power.
The Asantehene noted that all politicians take advantage of these little favours for their own interest.
“They pay you to shut up, and then your criticism or advice is no longer taken seriously.”
Empowering Chiefs
Acknowledging the constitutional recognition of chieftaincy, Otumfuo noted that recognition alone has not translated into meaningful authority for traditional institutions in the country’s governance structure.
He explained that while chiefs are acknowledged in the constitution, the institution lacks the substantive powers required to actively participate in national decision-making and, in practice, leaves traditional authorities with limited influence on policies that directly affect their communities.
According to the Monarch, for chieftaincy to have a real say in governance, the body must be vested with powers comparable to those of the Council of State.
“The National House of Chiefs has no say in governance and therefore is not useful in the administration of the country. The institution has been reduced to a symbolic presence rather than a functional partner in governance.”
Nature of Chieftaincy
Otumfuo also explained to the Committee that the selection of a chief rests with traditional councils and not the government.
He noted that traditions and customs dictate the process for the selection and enstoolment of chiefs.
That said, the Asantehene stated that houses of chiefs hold no right to enstool a chief, as witnessed in some parts of the country.
He also observed that some politicians provide backing to some of these misdeeds, which fuels conflict.
The King also emphasised the authority of the Golden Stool, noting that he had no intention to expand his kingdom beyond what it is.
“I uphold my culture and tradition. Everyone knows that Bono and Ahafo were part of Western Asante before Ghana’s partition into regions.”
Combining Chieftaincy and Local Government
The King further questioned the decision to combine chieftaincy and local government under a single ministry.
He argued that both sectors are too broad and complex for one minister to oversee effectively.
Chieftaincy involves traditional governance, cultural affairs, and community mediation across the country, while local government covers decentralisation, development planning, and service delivery at the district level.
He believes that managing both demands distinct expertise, time, and attention.
“How can the Minister give proper attention to local government and chieftaincy at the same time?” he asked.
“Each area requires focus. Lumping them together means one will inevitably be sidelined.”
Respect
The Asantehene also encouraged politicians and governments to respect the chieftaincy institution.
Courtesy
The Committee, led by its Chairman, Fred Kyei Asamoah, formally introduced itself to the Asantehene to receive his counsel, direction, and guidance.
They also informed Otumfuo about their engagement with the National House of Chiefs on May 14, 2026.
Among the delegation were Kofi Obiri Yeboah, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah and Dan Abdul-Latif
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Click to read more:
Source:
opemsuo.com