Information on the relationship between Ashanti chiefs and the government [GHA12309]

The government of the Provisional Defence Council (PNDC) is reported to treat traditional chiefs with respect. Chiefs act as advisors to the government and also as intermediaries between the government and the local people (Africa Confidential 7 Oct. 1988; Ghanaian Times 13 Mar. 1992). There have been instances, however, when the government has interfered in chieftaincy affairs going to the extent of "de-recognizing" some chiefs (West Africa 24-30 June 1991), and some chiefs have complained that the government has neglected their areas in terms of development projects (West Africa 2-8 Sept. 1991). For additional information on the relationship of the government and the traditional chiefs, please refer to the attached documents.

References

Africa Confidential [London]. 7 October. 1988. " Ghana: The Recovery Stakes."

The Ghanaian Times [Accra]. 12 March 1992. "Chiefs Beyond Reproach."

West Africa [London]. 28 October-3 November 1991. "Chiefs' Affiars."

. 7-13 October 1991. "Asantehende Meets Rawlings."

. 30 September-6 October 1991. "Chieftancy Clash."

. 2-8 September 1991. "Chiefs Complain."

. 24-30 June 1991. "Primer for Disputes."

. 3-9 June 1991. "Chieftancy Issues."

Attachments

Africa Confidential [London]. 7 October. 1988. " Ghana: The Recovery Stakes."

The Ghanaian Times [Accra]. 12 March 1992. "Chiefs Beyond Reproach."

West Africa [London]. 28 October-3 November 1991. "Chiefs' Affiars."

. 7-13 October 1991. "Asantehende Meets Rawlings."

. 30 September-6 October 1991. "Chieftancy Clash."

. 2-8 September 1991. "Chiefs Complain."

. 24-30 June 1991. "Primer for Disputes."

. 3-9 June 1991. "Chieftancy Issues."