TRADITIONAL SOCIAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND VULNERABILITY PROTECTION IN NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

This paper exammes traditional/indigenous social support systems and vulnerability protection m contemporary Northern Ghana. It considered the nature of traditional/indigenous social support systems and the role they play in the protection of the vulnerable. It further explores social change and its effect on these social support systems and the implications for the vulnerable. The fate of these traditional/indigenous systems in a changing society and how they can be sustained was equally examined. Data from two hundred (200) respondents including discussions with traditional authorities, key informants, vulnerable persons and opinion leaders in communities as well as heads/representatives of government and non governmental organizations was gathered and ana lysed to understand vulnerability protection by traditional/indigenous social support systems and formal social support systems. Institutional factors that promote change (such as colonialism, western education, foreign religions, urbanization money economy globalization and structural adjustment programmes among others) were identified as the most influential in eroding the roles played by traditional/indigenous systems in the protection of vulnerable groups. Majority of respondents (72%) argue that the influence of social change on traditional/indigenous social support systems is so overwhelm ing that their role in the protection of the vulnerable is seriously threatened and gradually eroding - it's now a relic of a glorious past. Others (28%) are of the view that despite the threat posed by these factors of change, traditional/ indigenous systems have shown resilience over the years and its basic vestiges are still ingrained in the people. The institution has metamorphosed into our own version of Europe's social security. One of the recommendations made is that despite the gradual decline in role of traditional/indigenous social support systems in addressing the needs of the vulnerable and promoting social cohesion, the extended family is still recognized as essential for the attainment of social integration and should therefore be strengthened. Thus, a more comprehensive social protection policy such as the augmentation of traditional social support systems alongside any social protection policies and programmes that have been and/or may be conceived should be considered.