Chieftaincy succession disputes in Navrongo traditional area of the Kasena-Nankana Municipality

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.