Making Democracy in Ghana more “African” with the National House of Chiefs as the Second Chamber with the roles of the Council of State

Background:
Ghana’s democratic governance operates within a constitutional framework that includes a Council of State, which advises the President, and a National House of Chiefs, which oversees traditional leadership.
However, traditional governance institutions remain largely symbolic in national decision-making, despite their deep-rooted role in conflict resolution, community cohesion, and cultural preservation.
In other parts of the world, traditional rulers play ceremonial yet influential roles in governance, including contributing to the selection of leaders and presiding over international bodies.
Challenges:
Despite their historical significance and continued relevance, traditional institutions in Ghana are structurally limited in influencing national governance. This disconnect results in:
The underutilization of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in governance.
A lack of integration between traditional wisdom and modern democratic systems.
Redundant financial commitments to separate governance advisory bodies (Council of State and National House of Chiefs).
Political actors seek traditional rulers’ influence only during elections, rather than integrating them into governance structures.
Traditional rulers, who effectively manage local governance, are often sidelined, leading to gaps in community-driven decision-making and a loss of cultural governance wealth.
Question:
How can Ghana enhance its democracy by integrating traditional governance structures effectively into the national system?
Suggestion:
To make democracy in Ghana more “African,” the Council of State should be merged with the National House of Chiefs, transforming it into a Second Chamber of governance with clearly defined responsibilities. This will:
1. Enhance Traditional Governance in National Decision-Making
Traditional rulers would formally contribute to policy discussions, ensuring governance decisions reflect indigenous wisdom and conflict resolution mechanisms.
Traditional governance principles—probity, accountability, and communal harmony—would be institutionalized within national structures.
2. Strengthen Grassroots Governance and Cohesion
The second chamber would serve as a check system for local government administration, ensuring better-decentralized governance.
It would promote cultural governance systems that foster peace, unity, and non-partisan collaboration.
3. Improve Financial Efficiency and Governance Effectiveness
Merging the two bodies into one entity reduces redundancy and optimizes governance resources.
The new structure would ensure a more streamlined and cost-effective governance advisory system.
4. Position Traditional Rulers as Key National Stakeholders
Traditional rulers would have a formalized role in governance beyond ceremonial functions.
They would help bridge the gap between political structures and community-driven leadership.
By realigning the Council of State with the National House of Chiefs, Ghana would establish a uniquely African governance model—one that blends modern democracy with the rich traditional structures that have historically sustained community governance.
This transformation would preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage and improve national stability, governance inclusivity, and grassroots participation in democracy.
By: Benjamin Anyagre Aziginaateeg, CEO, African Continental Union Consult (ACUC)
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