Defining Ghana’s Chieftaincy: Dormaahene’s Stand on Traditional Leadership

The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr. Agyemang Badu II, has firmly emphasized that there are no kings in Ghana and has cautioned against overhyping traditional leaders, especially those referred to as kings. In a meeting with fellow chiefs at the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, the Dormaahene, who also serves as a High Court Judge, highlighted that the constitution of Ghana does not recognize kingship status, and the highest position any traditional leader can hold is that of a paramount chief.

He made it clear that there is no legal basis for claiming superiority over other chiefs within the country. He stated, “There is no law that says that if you are a chief, there is a superior one above you. I want to say without any doubt that there is no king in Ghana – there is not. For the whole of Ghana, the paramount chief is the greatest.” He further dismissed the idea that some chiefs might consider themselves kings and suggested that if someone were to claim kingship, all paramount chiefs should be dissolved for that person to rule, which would compel some traditional leaders to seek residence in neighboring countries like Cote d’Ivoire or Burkina Faso.

Addressing concerns within the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Dormaahene cautioned against individuals who allegedly offer to elevate certain chiefs to the status of kings. He stressed that the Chieftaincy Act of Ghana clearly outlines the hierarchy of chiefs in the country, including paramount chiefs, divisional chiefs, sub-divisional chiefs, Adikromfo, and other chiefs recognized by the National House of Chiefs. Dormaahene urged his fellow traditional leaders not to entertain such offers and to maintain the respect and recognition they currently hold within the established chieftaincy system.

Summary:
In a recent meeting at the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr. Agyemang Badu II, emphatically declared that there are no kings in Ghana, dispelling claims of royal superiority among traditional leaders. He pointed out that the Ghanaian constitution recognizes only paramount chiefs as the highest-ranking leaders. Dormaahene also cautioned against attempts to elevate certain chiefs to kingship and emphasized the importance of upholding the established chieftaincy system. Join us as we delve into this significant statement on traditional leadership in Ghana.

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