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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The Native Jurisdiction Ordinance, indirect rule and the subject's well-being: the Abuakwa experience c 1899-1912 |
Author: | Addo-Fening, R. |
Year: | 1990 |
Periodical: | Research Review |
Volume: | 6 |
Issue: | 2 |
Pages: | 29-44 |
Language: | English |
Geographic terms: | Ghana Great Britain |
Subjects: | colonialism indirect rule Akim polity |
Abstract: | By the end of the 19th century central authority in Akyem Abuakwa (Gold Coast, present-day Ghana) was on the verge of collapse. Wealth and education changed the political and social orientation of the 'asafo' organizations, whose power now rivalled that of the chiefs. In a reversal of earlier policy, the British colonial government extended the Native Jurisdiction Ordinance (1883) to Akyem Abuakwa in 1899. Under the NJO, which became the foundation of the policy of indirect rule, the chiefs ('ahenfo') were empowered to exercise both civil and criminal jurisdiction. However, in lieu of strict official supervision of the chiefs' tribunals by the government, chiefly exercise of power was characterized by licentiousness and irresponsibility. In the face of 'asafo' protests against the chiefs' abuse of power and misappropriation of public funds, the government took the side of the chiefs. The result was a growing alienation of Abuakwa citizens from chiefs and colonial government alike in the first decade of the 20th century. Notes, ref. |