POLI 112 POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS Sessions 3amp4 Traditional Political Institutions Lecturer Dr REV GYAMPO Department of Political Science Traditional Political Institutions Defined By Traditional Political Institutions we refer to the institution of chieftaincy ID: 767923
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POLI 112POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS Sessions 3&4 : Traditional Political Institutions Lecturer: Dr. R.E.V. GYAMPO , Department of Political Science
Traditional Political Institutions DefinedBy Traditional Political Institutions we refer to the institution of chieftaincyChiefs play a crucial role in their various communities and areas of local jurisdictions. Before colonization, there were areas in West Africa referred to as acephalous societies. These societies had no chiefs with centralized authority.On the contrary, some of the societies have centralized authorities epitomized by the institution of chieftaincy Dr. R.E.V. GYAMPO, Dept of Political Science , UG Slide 2
Features of The Ideal-Type BureacracyThe Ideal-Type Bureaucracy has the following featuresRational and Calculable RulesImpersonality PermanenceAnonymityNeutralityMeritocracyProper Filing system Dr. R.E.V. GYAMPO Dept of Political Science, UG . Slide 3 It is for example practiced in Britain while the
Legitimacy of ChiefsThere are various sources of legitimacy of chiefs. There include:HereditaryConquestDescentMembership of a particular ruling family or Compensation or reward for bravery or distinguished service to the community Dr. R.E.V. GYAMPO Dept of Political Science, UG Slide 4
Selection of ChiefsNo one was born a chief. There are elaborate selection process in determining who must be the ruler of the people in the traditional settingAmong the Akans for example, the traditional officials who play leading role in the selection of chiefs are the krontihene, gyaasehene and queen-motherAfter their selection, the chief is outdoored for public acceptance by the entire community Dr. R.E.V. GYAMPO Dept of Political Science, UG Slide 5
Qualities of a ChiefDr. R.E.V. GYAMPO Dept of Political Science, UGSlide 6In selecting a chief, traditional officials look out for the following qualities:Humility Generosity G ood characterGood name and reputationManliness Strong physique
Functions of A ChiefGovernance, in charge of the day-today administration of the traditional communitySettlement of disputes and ensuring justiceMaking bye laws and ensuring their enforcementCommander-in-chief of the local armySpiritual leadership Custodian of traditional norms, values, etc Dr. R.E.V. GYAMPO Dept of Political Science, UG Slide 7
Restraints on the Powers of the ChiefDr. R.E.V. GYAMPO Dept of Political Science, UG Slide 8DepositionThe Role of the CommonersProhibition Against Holding Property The Role of the gods and ancestors Membership of Secret Society Revolt Desertion
Image of a chief .Dr. R.E.V. GYAMPO Dept of Political Science, UGSlide 9
The Role of Chiefs in Modern TimesDr. R.E.V. GYAMPO Dept of Political Science, UGSlide 10
The Role of Chiefs in Modern Times (Cont)Even though some have argued that the institution of chieftaincy is anachronistic and irrelevant, it has been forcefully pointed out that chiefs are still relevant particularly in the rural hinterlands. In modern times, they can play the following roles: Poverty reduction, through the provision of short-term loans to people to do businessProviding basic education for the rural childIncreasing access to productive assets of the rural people such as land, capital etc Dr. Richard Boateng, UGBS Slide 11
The Role of Chiefs in Modern Times (Cont)Encouraging popular participation in the development processIncreasing the political, social and cultural choices of the peopleMaking efforts to control population Growth Enhancing the health and nutritional status of their peopleTaking the initiative to control environmental degradationPaying particular attention to the problems of women in the rural areas. Dr. Richard Boateng, UGBS Slide 12
Reading ListRefer to Unit 2, pp. 24-39 of Poli 112 (Political Institutions) Modules Gyampo, R.E.V. The state of Political Institutions in Ghana, (Saarbrucken, Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing Inc. 2012) pp. 31-62Dr. R.E.V. GYAMPO Dept of Political Science, UG Slide 13
Concluding RemarkTHANK YOUR.E.V GYAMPO Dr. R.E.V. GYAMPO Dept of Political Science, UGSlide 14