Ghana, affectionately known as the “Gateway to Africa,” proudly wears the crown of unmatched hospitality and cultural warmth. Renowned worldwide for her peace-loving nature and welcoming embrace, Ghana has long set an example for peaceful coexistence. However, this celebrated openness now stands at a critical juncture, facing subtle yet profound threats to her sovereignty and revered traditional institutions.
While Ghana’s reputation as a nation of tolerance and friendliness attracts countless visitors and investors from around the globe, recent events compel us to pause and reflect: Has Ghana’s kindness inadvertently become an invitation to disregard her sovereignty?
The bedrock of Ghana’s traditional leadership and cultural governance lies in constitutional provisions meticulously crafted to preserve national dignity and stability. Article 266 of the 1992 Constitution explicitly states:
“No person shall be deemed or taken to be a chief for the performance of any functions as a chief under this Constitution or any other law, unless he has been properly installed as a chief in accordance with customary law and usage.”
This pivotal article serves as a constitutional fortress against any unauthorized self- declaration or foreign interference in our revered chieftaincy system.
Equally significant, Article 267(1) safeguards Ghana’s lands entrusted to traditional custodians:
“All stool lands in Ghana shall vest in the appropriate stool on behalf of, and in trust for the subjects of the stool in accordance with customary law and usage.”
These constitutional mandates establish clear, non-negotiable boundaries against attempts to set up illegitimate kingdoms or to arbitrarily appoint self-styled chiefs, especially by individuals lacking Ghanaian cultural roots and legitimacy.
Reinforcing these constitutional provisions, the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), meticulously outlines the proper and legal procedures for installing and recognizing chiefs, explicitly rejecting unauthorized claims and foreign interference. Section 57(1) of the Act unequivocally affirms:
“No person shall be deemed or recognized as a chief unless the person has been enstooled or enskinned in accordance with the relevant customary law and usage.”
Recent disturbing reports of unauthorized individuals attempting to establish “kingdoms” or appoint themselves and others to chieftaincy positions flagrantly breach these critical laws. Such acts not only compromise our sovereignty but also disrespect the very essence of Ghanaian culture and traditional governance.
It is now imperative that national leaders, traditional councils, law enforcement bodies, and all relevant stakeholders unite firmly in upholding and enforcing these critical constitutional and statutory provisions. Silence or passive tolerance of such infringements could open doors
to further disrespect and exploitation, weakening Ghana’s proud cultural legacy and national integrity.
Ghana’s genuine hospitality must never translate into vulnerability. Instead, it must serve as a powerful testament to a nation that balances openness with strength, acceptance with respect for the rule of law, and kindness with an uncompromising defence of sovereignty.
To protect and preserve our cherished peace and rich heritage, we must collectively and actively defend our constitutional and cultural foundations. Let us ensure Ghana’s legendary hospitality remains an admired virtue, not an exploited vulnerability. Together, we can safeguard Ghana’s dignity, sovereignty, and lasting global reputation as a proud, welcoming, yet unyieldingly principled nation.
By Prince Michael Henaku (aka Kuu, aka PM)
Author Bio: Prince Michael Henaku is a proud Ghanaian with roots in Abiriw Akuapem. He is a Medical Doctor by profession currently pursuing advanced studies in Public Health at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). He writes as a concerned citizen committed to the peace and progress of Ghana.
