The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has opposed the proposal to allow queenmothers to participate in the sittings of the regional and national houses of chiefs. He acknowledged their vital role in selecting chiefs and offering counsel, but emphasised that, according to tradition, their duties are carried out privately rather than publicly. “In Asanteman’s customs, queenmothers hold the authority to choose chiefs and advise them discreetly, while chiefs deliberate and speak openly on behalf of the people,” he affirmed
End-of-year meeting
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made his remarks during the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs’ end-of-year meeting held last Friday at Manhyia in Kumasi. During the session, High Court Judge Justice Hannah Taylor formally swore in the Kwamanghene, Nana Debrah Boateng Bediako, as a full member of the House. The Asantehene’s comments came in response to a proposal to involve queenmothers in the activities of the houses of chiefs through amendments to the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759).
He stressed that customs and traditions vary across communities, underscoring that Asanteman’s practices are distinct, and cautioned, “we must not enact laws that apply universally without regard for these cultural differences. “Let no one create laws to change our traditions and customs that already exist.
There are others who subscribe to patrilineal, while Asantes are matrilineal. Both must be respected and allowed to operate,” he stated.
He said, “We respect queen mothers for the pivotal role they play in selecting us. All of us sitting here were selected by queen mothers and our custom is that they advise us behind the scenes and not in the full glare of the public”.
Warning
The Asantehene warned against any attempt to change the already established customs and traditions of Asanteman, saying, “I will not allow anyone to alter our existing customs and traditions. He stated that the creation of the houses of chiefs is not part of their culture and that no one should make an attempt to change Asanteman’s culture, stressing “as Asantehene and the occupant of the golden stool, I will cancel any rule made in that regard”.
“No one should come up with such a rule to include queenmothers in the sittings of the house of chiefs.
I will not allow such a situation to happen as it is at variance with our customs and traditions,” he said
Owabi dam encroachment
Reacting to a report by the Lands Commission on encroachment around the Owabi Dam, which supplies water to some parts of the region, he blamed key stakeholders for looking on while such a situation occurred. Otumfuo Osei Tutu indicated that it was established law that buildings should not be constructed close to water bodies.
Yet, the Lands Commission, the Ghana Water Limited and others sat down to allow it to happen. He called for strong collaboration between the chiefs in the area and the relevant state institutions in safeguarding the dam, stressing “we have to protect the dam for it to continue to supply water to us”.
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