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.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Social Studies Education,
Faculty of Social Sciences Education, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies, in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Social Studies)
in the University of Education, Winneba
