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Concept
Akan chieftaincy
Summary
In many parts of West Africa, there is an old chieftaincy tradition, and the Akan people have developed their own hierarchy, which exists alongside the democratic structure of the country. The Akan word for the ruler or one of his various courtiers is "Nana" (ˈnænə). In colonial times, Europeans translated it as "chief", but that is not an exact equivalent. Other sources speak of "kings", which is also not entirely correct, especially in the case of the said courtiers. The term "chief" has become common even among modern Ghanaians, though it would be more correct to use the expression "Nana" without translation wherever possible.
The roots of Akan chieftaincy are unknown, and written sources are scarce. When the Akan were settling in Bonoman, in the period before 1300, Bonos had already long used the chieftaincy system. The paramount chief held a position that can be compared to that of an absolutist king.
When the Republic of Ghana was founded in 1957, it was agreed that the chieftaincy system should be respected.
Chieftaincy is officially accepted. Politicians ask chiefs for advice because usually they are closer to the people. The highest committee is the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi. There are also Regional Houses of Chiefs. In case of problems between the chiefs, the House of Chiefs has a legal function to adjudicate in such matters.
Within the Akan ethnic group there are different kin groups, such as the Ashanti, Bono, Akyem, Kwahu, Akwapim, Assin, or the Fante, [Denkyira]. The highest ranked of the entire Akan chieftaincy institution is the paramount chief.
Ranked below the Paramount chief are the sub-chiefs. A sub-chief can be compared to the mayor of a town, except that his office is hereditary as opposed to elective. The chiefs have their own territories, and apart from overseeing them, they have a function at the courts of their paramount chiefs as their ministers. Most of the functions are traditional, while some have been created recently:
A chief arbitrates and decides political and economic questions in his area.
Official source
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