Let The Constitution direct Chieftaincy to deliver “All Development Is Local”
Chieftaincy’s natural power and capacity to lead local development have been grossly underrated and it is time to address that constitutionally. For accelerated local development, there is an urgent need to reverse the constitutional usurpation of that local development role which it assigns to local government. Article 245(a) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution mandates a decentralised system of local…
The Constitution Review Committee (CRC) is advocating for a constitutional amendment to recognize chieftaincy as the key to accelerating local development in Ghana. Currently, Article 245(a) of the 1992 Constitution mandates a decentralized system of local government to drive development, but this has not been effectively implemented.
The CRC recommends direct elections for local government chief executives and the establishment of an Independent Devolution Commission to intensify decentralization. Chieftaincy, however, is seen as a more viable agent for local development, with chiefs already mobilizing their communities for infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.
Despite challenges like succession issues, political discontinuity, and public procurement abuse, chieftaincy has historically led to tangible development, such as providing water, education, and electricity. With its authority boosted by the constitution, chieftaincy could play a major role in local development, complementing rather than replacing local government.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
