The Role of Traditional Authorities in Rural Development at Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District

ABSTRACT

It is now a fact that the position of traditional authorities has undergone major transformations. The outcome has been that the power of traditional authorities has experienced ebbs and flows mostly depending on regime preferences and changes in the traditional institutions themselves. Some people are of the view that traditional authorities are no longer relevant while others think they are. This thesis uses the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District as a case study and examines the role of traditional authorities in rural development. Through interview schedules, group discussions and observations, traditional authorities have been noted to be contributing immensely to the development process in the District. One would have expected the traditional institutions and their leaders, to cease being of importance to the community with the establishment of the District Assembly system. This, however, was noted to be far from the reality. The study found that though the traditional authorities and District Assembly representatives are operating cordially, there needs to be more improvement in the area of collaboration. Traditional authorities are also development oriented and able to initiate and mobilise their people for self-help projects. The conclusion is that traditional authorities are very relevant for rural development due to the multifaceted roles they play, especially, as the leaders of their community. It is recommended that they need to improve their administrative role as governors in order to reduce chieftaincy conflicts.