Chieftaincy is one of the most visible social phenomena in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, yet it poses serious epistemological challenges when it is analysed as an institution. The chapter is an attempt to assess the real extent and significance of the language of Chieftaincy in Ghana (West Africa) in power-broking at national level, beyond merely formal institutional links. The case presented in the essay is Western Nzema, a Traditional Area located in the Western Region of Ghana, on the border with Côte d’Ivoire. The chapter addresses Nzema Chieftaincy politics and local conflicts, and their linkage with Ghana National politics, stressing the crucial role of chiefs as power brokers.
Kingship, chieftaincy and politics. A view from Nzema (Ghana
VALSECCHI, PIERLUIGI
2003-01-01
Abstract
Chieftaincy is one of the most visible social phenomena in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, yet it poses serious epistemological challenges when it is analysed as an institution. The chapter is an attempt to assess the real extent and significance of the language of Chieftaincy in Ghana (West Africa) in power-broking at national level, beyond merely formal institutional links. The case presented in the essay is Western Nzema, a Traditional Area located in the Western Region of Ghana, on the border with Côte d’Ivoire. The chapter addresses Nzema Chieftaincy politics and local conflicts, and their linkage with Ghana National politics, stressing the crucial role of chiefs as power brokers.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.