THE CHIEFTAINCY INSTITUTION AS AN AGENT OF DEVELOPMENT AMONG THE DAGAABA IN THE UPPER WEST REGION: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

Chieftaincy is perhaps the only indigenous institution which has been able to stand the test of time in the advent of alien cultures. This research attempts to identify chiefs as the main agent of development among the Dagaaba in the Upper West and also to determine the challenges and prospects of the chieftaincy institution. Both primary and secondary data were collected and collated. Several data were gathered through face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. The entire research covered 103 respondents. Methods of data analysis include; tables, simple bar graphs, pie charts, Frequency distribution, percentages and content analysis were also employed to analyse and present statistically quantifiable data. They were followed by brief verbal comments. The study identified certain challenges and prospects of the chieftaincy institution. For instance, political interference and Chiefs serve as traditional leaders in their communities respectively. The study thus made some recommendations by providing a scope of options to chiefs to improve their efficiency and relevance as chieftaincy institution. The study recommended that, the various Regional House of Chiefs should be tasked to compile and collate all the royal gates of every village, town and city as well as their successors so as to avoid chieftaincy dispute(s). It also recommended that the chieftaincy institution should be devoid of political interference. It further suggested that the position of the chief should be guided by specific institutionalized traditions with respect to accession to office and performance of functions.