The Occupant of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has advocated for a substantive role in Ghana’s governance for traditional authorities.
His Majesty observes that the institution has been reduced to a ceremonial and symbolic office without any influence in governance.
The Monarch, during a courtesy call by members of Parliament’s Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture, and Religious Affairs at Manhyia Palace on May 13, 2026, noted that constitutional recognition without real power renders chieftaincy ineffective.
Recognition alone, he noted, had not translated into meaningful authority for traditional institutions in the country’s governance structure as the institution lacks the substantive powers required to actively participate in national decision-making.
The Asantehene explained that in practice, the gap 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.”
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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Source:
opemsuo.com