Collaborations Between Local Government and Traditional Leaders in Ghana: Exploring Implications for Community Development

Abstract

Chieftaincy is the oldest traditional institution of governance in Africa and has dovetailed into current democratic dispensation. Mirroring this, traditional leaders have become a key link between the central government and their people. Local government and traditional leaders collectively make decisions regarding development of their communities. Effective transformation of local communities calls for collaborations between the two governance leaders. This paper explores areas of collaborations between the local and traditional government leaders within three districts in Ghana. The study adopts a mixed-method approach, using survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. A total of 370 survey respondents and 140 qualitative participants were used. The study found the two governance leaders collaborate more in the area of land administration, development of by-laws, appointments, economic and business development, however collaboration is weak in the setting up of development agenda for communities, healthcare planning and development, dispute resolution, education planning and development. The study revealed high level of tensions between the two divides. For instance, the traditional leaders bemoan their level of empowerment in terms of authority and resources to drive the advancement of their communities. While the local Assembly leaders are concerned about the divisions amongst chiefs that affects effective collaborations for development. The solution to strengthening collaborations between the two governance leaders lies in providing material and symbolic resources to both side of the divide.

Keywords: Collaborations, Local, Traditional, Government Leaders, Community Development