Chieftancy is the oldest institution in Ghana and once a revered one. Before the advent of the Europeans in 1847, Africa and for that matter Ghana, was ruled and govern by Kings, Chiefs and Queen mothers of the various ethnic groups.
Even though the then Gold Coast was not ruled by one particular King, Chief or Queen mother, there was this cohesion, mutual respect, togetherness and peace.
Even those days which were perseved as ” Gyime mmere” saw developments from the colonial masters under the influence of our Kings, Chiefs and Queen mothers.
Those days, there were no Chieftancy litigations as we are seeing today. Sometimes King makers have to chase some royals whose turn is ripe to take up the throne. Kings, Chiefs and Queen mothers in those days, ruled selflessly without considering their selfish interest first but that of the ruled. They most especially ruled with TRUTH and HONESTY which are antidots to anarchy, litigations and chaose.
Developments reigns in peace and stability.
Now the multi million questions is, what has changed today that everywhere one goes, there are Chieftancy litigations?
Where is the dignity of the once revered institution?
Who threw it away and what did that person go in for?
I am yet to see a court in this country where there are no Chieftancy and land litigations.Yes, who is. the cause of all these? Is it the fault of the kingmakers, the potential Kings, Chiefs the Queen mothers, the judiciary or governments.
Yes. The blame squarely should be laid at the door steps of the above mentioned names.
Now see: Some Kingmakers have thrown away the truth and are following who can pay or sometimes the highest bidder.
The rich Potential royals always want to pay their way through to the detriment of the right poor candidate.
Chiefs, after ascending to the throne, try to sell every land as if there is no tomorrow just to satisfy their pockets. Others will also just not account to the very people they are rulling as if the throne is their personal property.
Some Queen mothers at times, select their favorite or the highest bidder instead of the right royal candidate.
Our judicial system now is nothing good to write home about.
Most at time the truth is thrown to the dogs. As it is in our current judicial system, it looks as if the rich always carry the day. And again whom you know.
Governments cannot escape blame as far as Chieftancy litigations are concerned in this country. Sometimes instructions, directives and intimidations from Government quarters, force the powers that be to pervert justice.
If everybody will adhere and follow custom, tradition, the truth and justice, I don’t think there will be this magnitude of litigations in the country which is fast retarding developments.
Some Chieftancy litigations have been sitting in some courts for More than ten years now.why so?
The responsibility of developing this country rest with us . Let’s say no to further litigations which retards developments.
I shall be back.
By;
Charles Gyinde
Tel. 0242529896.
