A Senior Research Fellow at Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Dr Kwesi Jonah, says the current situation where traditional authorities have been alienated from local governance is a result of deliberate attempts by politicians in pre-colonial Ghana to reduce the influence of chiefs in local governance.
This is because traditional rulers at the time monopolised local governance, which means the educated individuals were left out.
Mr Jonah said the role of chiefs in local government cannot be underestimated and must be restored.
Mr Jonah said IDEG’s position is that traditional chiefs be made integral part of local governance and political discourse.
He said they have presented a proposal to the Ministry of Local Government to that effect.
