The Divisional Omankrado and Amankrakuahen of the Gomoa Assin Traditional Area in the Central Region, Nana Kumasah Krampah II, has thrown his full support behind Speaker of Parliament Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin’s proposal to amend Ghana’s Constitution to allow traditional leaders, including chiefs and queen mothers, to serve in Parliament.
According to him, the inclusion of chiefs in the country’s legislative process would strengthen governance, promote national unity and ensure that laws passed by Parliament reflect the needs and aspirations of people at the grassroots.
Nana Kumasah Krampah II praised Speaker Bagbin for championing constitutional reforms aimed at creating reserved seats or quotas in Parliament for traditional and religious leaders, describing the proposal as timely and beneficial to Ghana’s democratic development.
Speaker Bagbin has consistently advocated a review of the 1992 Constitution to enable traditional authorities to participate directly in national decision-making.
He has argued that chiefs remain the true custodians of their communities and are often the first point of contact for citizens facing challenges, making their experience and wisdom invaluable to the country’s lawmaking process.
The Speaker has also called for the removal of constitutional restrictions that prevent chiefs from actively engaging in partisan politics, insisting that their traditional responsibilities already place them at the forefront of community leadership and development.
Speaking to the media, Nana Kumasah Krampah II said he supports the proposal “100 percent,” stressing that research has consistently shown that the peace and stability Ghana enjoys are largely due to the critical role played by chiefs and religious leaders in resolving conflicts and fostering social cohesion.
He explained that traditional authorities possess well-established administrative structures that cut across political affiliations, enabling them to unite people regardless of their political beliefs.
According to him, chiefs are highly effective in mobilising citizens for community development projects, environmental sanitation campaigns and social welfare initiatives, making them reliable partners for government development programmes.
The traditional ruler noted that every community, regardless of its location, has a chief and a religious leader who maintain close relationships with residents and understand their daily challenges.
He explained that chiefs also play a crucial role in maintaining peace and security by monitoring activities within their communities and ensuring that strangers are properly identified and integrated into society when necessary.
Nana Kumasah Krampah II argued that the participation of chiefs and religious leaders in Parliament would help mediate political disagreements, reduce partisan tensions and promote stability, which he believes are essential ingredients for Ghana’s socio-economic transformation.
He further maintained that incorporating the knowledge and experience of traditional rulers into the country’s governance system would result in more practical legislation capable of accelerating sustainable development at the community level.
The chief also expressed concern that the 1992 Constitution significantly reduced the influence of chiefs in governance and local development, a situation he believes has deprived the country of valuable indigenous leadership and experience.
He criticised what he described as the tendency of some Members of Parliament to oppose bills that could significantly benefit national development while showing unity when matters affecting their personal interests are under consideration.
According to him, chiefs and religious leaders would approach parliamentary work from a non-partisan perspective and would champion laws that directly improve the living conditions of the ordinary people.
Nana Kumasah Krampah II further proposed that traditional authorities should be given a greater role in the appointment of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
He argued that chiefs are better positioned to identify competent and development-oriented individuals capable of leading their districts, adding that involving them in the selection process would enhance accountability and improve local governance.
He attributed some of the governance challenges at the district level to the current system, where MMDCEs are appointed solely by the government of the day, arguing that this often results in appointments that do not necessarily reflect the wishes and development priorities of local communities.
While Speaker Bagbin’s proposal continues to generate national debate, Nana Kumasah Krampah II believes constitutional reforms that recognise the role of traditional authorities in Ghana’s governance architecture would deepen democracy, strengthen grassroots development and promote inclusive national decision-making.
Story by Joseph Cobbina
