Examination of the role of queen mothers in Talensi traditional area

Abstract

This research work examined the role of queen mothers in Talensi traditional area. The main objectives of the study were to determine the requirements as well as discover the processes involved in the selection and enskinment of queen mothers and also explore the contributions queen mothers make to the socio-economic development of Talensi traditional area. The work was a case study of 9 purposively selected queen mothers and 9 conveniently selected members of Talensi traditional area. In-depths interview and focus group discussion were the research instruments used and data were analysed thematically. The study found out that queen mothers perform assistive roles to chiefs through installation of Magajias, settlement of matrimonial disputes, protection of women and children interest and initiation of development projects. The study concludes that the requirements for becoming a queen mother are same for a chief and are purely rooted in custom and tradition and there is no prescriptive roles for queen mothers in Talensi traditional area. It is recommended that since the position of queen mothers has been accepted in Talensi traditional area, their roles should be properly prescribed and made known so that their works as queen mothers can be assessed; and the Talensi traditional authority in selecting qualified persons to be enskinned as queen mothers must put premium on those with clout and stature to promote socio-economic development in the traditional area.