Abstract:
The Chieftaincy institution has existed since ancient times in Africa and other parts of the
world with a remarkable assumption of major developmental role. It is unfortunate to
learn among other problems that, here in Ghana, the institution is tainted with succession
crises and as a result the beauty of the institution is constantly depleting and subjects are
being denied the developments they require. This research was conducted to examine the
chieftaincy succession disputes in the Navrongo traditional area in the Navrongo
Municipality in the Upper East Region of Ghana. A narrative design was used for this
study. The population of the study comprised Royals, King Makers, the Elders, and
Landlords. A sample of 50 respondents were selected through purposive and convenience
sampling techniques. The instruments used for the collection of data for this work were
focus group discussion and interview guide. The researcher employed qualitative
approach in analyzing data that were gathered from respondents who were strictly the
Landlords, Royals, Elders, and the King Makers. The findings revealed that, the process
of selecting a chief does not only involve humans (Elders and King Maker), but the gods
as well. Thus, “Kwara Yigino” (the keeper of the symbol of the throne) together with all
Elders and King Makers go out to consult and perform all rituals to know who has been
selected by the gods, upon which they (Elders) will vote to confirm what the gods have
said. Again, it was revealed that political interference, rivalry and disunity among
families were the major causes of Chieftaincy succession disputes in the Navrongo
traditional area. It was, therefore, recommended that in order to avoid chieftaincy
succession disputes in the Navrongo traditional area, must depend on the voices of the
gods which must be done in a very clear and transparent manner such that no individual
can dispute it.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Social Studies Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy (Social Studies) in the University of Education, Winneba
FEBRUARY, 2022