Developmental Implications of the Chieftaincy Disputes in the Juaso Traditional Area of Ghana

Abstract

The objective of the study was to examine the developmental implications of chieftaincy disputes in the Juaso traditional area of Ghana. Qualitatively, an interpretive research paradigm was adopted for the study. Purposive, Snowballing, Convenient, and Maximal Variation Strategy techniques were employed to select twelve ( 12) respondents for the study. Chiefs and the queen mother in the community who are rich of information as far as chieftaincy dispute in Juaso is concerned were purposively sampled. Snowballing and Maximal Variation Strategy were employed to sample sub-chiefs, royals, reverend ministers, natives and dwellers for the study. The two (2) main instruments used for data collection were semi-structured interview and observation. The data were analysed into different categories and subsequently developed into themes by making use of an inductive data analysis. Themes and categories were then used to present the research findings based on the research question. The study indicated in Akan adage that ''bɔɔla so gya, ani no adum nanso na aseɛ no asɔ kɔɔ'' to wit, the fire on the refuse dump may appear to be off at the surface but beneath it may be hot coals ready to explode at the least aeration. This situation does not promote peaceful coexistence that can propel development. Development is the shared responsibility of all. It can be initiated by the Central Government through the District Assemblies, traditional leaders of communities, individual members of communities, non-governmental organizations and foreign bodies. It is recommended that the role of Government (the state) is very crucial in the management, resolution, transformation and peace building. As such, the government should be seen as an important stakeholder in the resolution of the conflict. Government should resource and empower third party mediation efforts by the Committee of Eminent Chiefs to resolve the cultural aspect of the dispute while the state institutions and Civil Society Organizations are also resourced and empowered to resolve the criminal, social, economic and other aspects. Government must build the trust of the entire community without taken sides in all these strategies.